19th-Century Colonialism: Causes and Consequences
19th-century art was unknown in some parts of the world. Therefore, due to the interest in other lands, many expeditions were organized. European states began expanding their territory, which gave way to economic exploitation and political domination. This phenomenon is called colonialism.
Causes of Colonialism
- Economic: At the end of the century, Europe was in a production crisis and needed new buyers.
- Political and Ideological: States had different interests in colonization: the strategic value of territories, furthering knowledge, and international reputation. Nationalist sentiment was also a factor.
- Demographic and Social: The European population had greatly increased, and emigration was the result of demographic pressure.
Stages of Colonial Domination
Three phases can be distinguished:
- Military Conquest: Through the development of the steel industry and progress in military technology and navigation, unexplored territories were easier to find and conquer.
- Occupation and Government Organization: The organizers of dominated lands faced many administrative problems. Thus, they collaborated with main city-tribe leaders to use, exploit, and control the territory.
- Economic Exploitation: European states extracted relevant resources and precious metals from mines in the territories. They left farms in the hands of large private companies and extensively cultivated crops.
Types of Colonial Domination
Colonial domination was channeled regardless of the aspirations and needs of the population. Colonial administration and management were determined by factors such as geographic location or economic resources. Colonies were conquered by European governments in several ways:
- Settler Colonies: After the demolition of indigenous populations, many European settlements were converted into land for their use. These became provinces and metropolitan areas under their command.
- Exploitation Colonies: Large companies and military officials adapted to these colonies for the exploitation of local natural resources. These included colonies and protectorates.
- The concession system was also used: local governments offered or delivered territory to a European power, including commercial interests.
Consequences of Colonialism
Here are the main consequences of colonialism:
- Economic: In the field of economics, colonies served as suppliers of raw materials to the metropolises and were forced to become buyers of manufactured goods. Colonial industrialization was hindered because they had to purchase the same raw materials at higher prices, as manufactured goods.
- Political: Metropolises also controlled the political and administrative areas of the colonies. Authorities mixed with or separated colonial peoples and cultures, creating artificial boundaries.
- Demographic and Social: The colonization prevented the social organization of indigenous people, and a new ruling class consisting of European diplomats, merchants, officials, and authorities was imposed.
- Cultural: Colonial domination in military, economic, and cultural spheres prevented the cultural identity of colonized peoples. Western cultural traditions, beliefs, cultural values, and languages were imposed.