Caribbean Imperialism Research Paper

Imperialism was European dominance of the non-West through economic exploitation and political rule (The Making of the West, 676). Imperialism worked well with industrialism and nationalism. Colonialism, taking over lands to add to a country or empire, is a form of imperialism. Plantations in the Caribbean is where colonialism used to be popular but that changed when industrialism became important. Imperialism worked with industrialism because many countries wanted raw materials so they could export more and not import products. Due to this many European countries explored Africa. They would take over African lands and rule either directly or indirectly. Direct rule was when the country that took over would have their officials and rulers be in charge directly. They would overthrow the government that was previously in charge. Britain used direct rule for many of the African countries they overthrew. Indirect rule was when they let the original leaders and government stay in power but the country that took over made the rules and told them what to do. With indirect rule the people would not always realize that their country had been …show more content…
Social Darwinism also had an impact on imperialism. Charles Darwin came up with the theory of natural selection. This stated that only the fittest will survive. The people took this to mean the same with people and thought they were the fittest and therefore better than the Africans and Indians. Cecil Rhodes believed this when he conquered lands in Africa for Britain. The Rhodes Colossus was a cartoon of Rhodes standing over Africa (Sourcebook, 392). This showed that he believed he was better than the African people. Lastly imperialism related to nationalism because nationalism is all about your country being the best and taking over other lands and