Understanding Imperialism: Definition, History, and Impact
Understanding Imperialism
Imperialism is an attitude adopted by a state to assert dominance over other states or communities. Modern imperialism often refers to the actions of certain powers, mostly European, from the modern era to the process of decolonization after the Second World War. Specifically, the term “Age of Imperialism” is used by historians to describe the period from 1871-1919, characterized by a race to build empires, notably the Scramble for Africa. This period saw the publication of two important texts that defined the concept: Imperialism, a Study by Hobson, and Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism by Lenin.
The Concept of Imperialism
The term imperialism refers to the attitude or doctrine leading to the domination of one state over another through the use of military force, economic, or political power. During the last third of the nineteenth century, some extra-European powers (USA and later Japan) developed a policy of accelerated colonial expansion, which had already been brewing since the beginning of the century. This new phase of colonialism, known as imperialism, tended to the formation of great empires and was a constant source of conflict that led to World War 1.
Colonialism vs. Imperialism
Some authors consider the terms colonialism and imperialism synonymous, while others differentiate between them:
- Colonialism: Often refers to the early stages of European expansion during the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries. The metropolis controlled a number of territories, exploited them economically, and fostered subordinate relationships with indigenous peoples, imposing their structures and ways of life. It involved controlling trade routes, strategic locations, and creating zones of influence, but it did not clearly establish a pattern of continuous and systematic conquest.
- Imperialism: Has strong nationalist overtones. The states that practiced it aimed for the systematic conquest of the greatest possible number of territories to achieve the rank of world powers. They were not as focused on the cultural transformation of these areas as they were on their political, economic, and military control. This process gained clarity in the last third of the 19th century.
The Transition from Traditional Colonialism
Imperialism in the first half of the nineteenth century was marked by the crisis of the old colonialism, expressed in the loss of the American colonies of Great Britain and Spain, the demise of mercantilist economic doctrines, and the struggle for the abolition of slavery. Expansion continued during the second half of the century, driven by the desire to gain new areas of influence, encouraged by European industrialization’s hunger for new markets and technical and military development. Other factors contributing to this trend were geographical explorations and missionary work in search of scientific and Christian expansion, respectively. In 1885, the Berlin Conference saw powers systematically agree on the sharing of the African continent.