In the first half of the twentieth century, the economic, political, ideological aspects all contributed to the skyrocketing and widespread imperialism, galvanizing developed countries to seek for more lands beyond the mainlands. However, the reasons are not isolated. The factor of economic pursuit, political ambitions, and ideological considerations were inter-connected, together strengthening the determination to expand territories.
To begin with, the economic pursuit in the land overseas was predominant. The exploration of raw materials and new markets was important factors. The colonial counrties “sought another’s [economic] profit/And work another’s gain.” (Doc 9) It is indicated that the colonial countries exploited the labor force in other country for the sake of their own economic profits. As Sekou Toure, a West African nationalist, suggested that “tremendous reserves of raw materials…give it excellent conditions for industrialization.” (Doc 6) As the national economy developed, the domestic demand was insufficient due to the inequality between the hugely increased number of supply. After the Industrial Revolution, it became much more convenient to produce goods and services. However, the population growth was disproportionate to the unbelievable increase in production. Meanwhile, the increasing goods supply needed enough raw materials. To maintain the economic development, western countries must find new markets and raw materials. Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany to the North German Regatta Association, said “this place[where we controlled] may fall fruitfully upon our activity and trade in foreign parts…our industry and agriculture may develop within the state and our sailing sports upon the water.” (Doc 1) Hence, the imperialism was also an effective way of controlling the international trades and the power on the sea, especially in the critical time when colonialism competition reached to a boiling point. Political ambitions, which were connected with economic considerations, led more aggressive expansions …show more content…
European colonists would love to spread Christianity, allowing a number of missionaries overseas. “Missionaries went forth to preach a kingdom beyond this world. But they often found themselves the builders of very earthly empires.” (Doc 4) However, the religious influence was often pertinant to radical ideologies, especially the modern thoughts during the Enlightenment, the conception of democracy, and complex philosophies. For example, the spread of democracy was another factor pushing western countries, especially the U.S. to imperialism. For example, Albert Beveridge, U.S. Senator said in 1898, “we ought not to govern a people without their consent.” (Doc 7) This ideas were only a official positive alternative argument instead of exploitation. John Stuart Mill even utilized philosophical saying to justify the imperialism with benefits “to the collective economical interests of the human race.” (Doc 8) More importantly, European imperialist always held that their own cultural values and white race was superior than other cultures. J.A. Hobson, a British scholar deemed that “the decades of Imperialism have been prolific in wars; most of these wars have been directly motived by the aggression of white races upon “lower races, and have issued in the forcible seizure of territory.” Therefore, the ideological determinants contributed to economic and political ambitions, boldening them on the land grasp. (Doc 2) The imperialism was also described ideological as a win-win deal in that O.P. Austin explained “they[imperialists] can establish schools and newspapers for the colonies and give these people the benefit of other blessings of civilization which they have not the means of creating themselves.” (Doc
To begin with, the economic pursuit in the land overseas was predominant. The exploration of raw materials and new markets was important factors. The colonial counrties “sought another’s [economic] profit/And work another’s gain.” (Doc 9) It is indicated that the colonial countries exploited the labor force in other country for the sake of their own economic profits. As Sekou Toure, a West African nationalist, suggested that “tremendous reserves of raw materials…give it excellent conditions for industrialization.” (Doc 6) As the national economy developed, the domestic demand was insufficient due to the inequality between the hugely increased number of supply. After the Industrial Revolution, it became much more convenient to produce goods and services. However, the population growth was disproportionate to the unbelievable increase in production. Meanwhile, the increasing goods supply needed enough raw materials. To maintain the economic development, western countries must find new markets and raw materials. Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany to the North German Regatta Association, said “this place[where we controlled] may fall fruitfully upon our activity and trade in foreign parts…our industry and agriculture may develop within the state and our sailing sports upon the water.” (Doc 1) Hence, the imperialism was also an effective way of controlling the international trades and the power on the sea, especially in the critical time when colonialism competition reached to a boiling point. Political ambitions, which were connected with economic considerations, led more aggressive expansions …show more content…
European colonists would love to spread Christianity, allowing a number of missionaries overseas. “Missionaries went forth to preach a kingdom beyond this world. But they often found themselves the builders of very earthly empires.” (Doc 4) However, the religious influence was often pertinant to radical ideologies, especially the modern thoughts during the Enlightenment, the conception of democracy, and complex philosophies. For example, the spread of democracy was another factor pushing western countries, especially the U.S. to imperialism. For example, Albert Beveridge, U.S. Senator said in 1898, “we ought not to govern a people without their consent.” (Doc 7) This ideas were only a official positive alternative argument instead of exploitation. John Stuart Mill even utilized philosophical saying to justify the imperialism with benefits “to the collective economical interests of the human race.” (Doc 8) More importantly, European imperialist always held that their own cultural values and white race was superior than other cultures. J.A. Hobson, a British scholar deemed that “the decades of Imperialism have been prolific in wars; most of these wars have been directly motived by the aggression of white races upon “lower races, and have issued in the forcible seizure of territory.” Therefore, the ideological determinants contributed to economic and political ambitions, boldening them on the land grasp. (Doc 2) The imperialism was also described ideological as a win-win deal in that O.P. Austin explained “they[imperialists] can establish schools and newspapers for the colonies and give these people the benefit of other blessings of civilization which they have not the means of creating themselves.” (Doc