The Significance Of Imperialism In Heart Of Darkness By Joseph Conrad

In the 19th century, when Social Darwinism became popular there was a belief that stronger natation were meant to dominate those nations that were weaker. The forthcoming of second industrial revolution gave people a lot of capital and motivation to expand and create businesses that would give them status and power. But as history has shown the desire for more power is a never ending one. Business owners started to seek for resources and seek other ways to make more profit in other places. Africa has always been a place that others see as something they can claim or take advantage of for themselves. It started to become a competition between nations because they wanted part of this nation that would only make them more powerful. The Heart of Darkness written by Joseph Conrad touches on the important theme of imperialism. It highlights the significance of empire-building and the inevitable desire for men to conquer the earth and to control others as well. The novel also touches on the theme of modernism and the overall impact imperialism has on each individual and how it reflects their …show more content…
In one of his travels as a sailor, Joseph Conrad who went to Belgian Congo in 1890 was highly influenced by his experience there. The novel showcases the many different nations that had occupied the Congo. They all have their different stations and businesses and are in constant competition. In the novel you can also see exploitation the indigenous people suffer, since they were used for their knowledge of the land and its resources. It also shows the immense greed within the managers of the companies, since all they care about was profit. The European powers also try to civilize the indigenous people by bringing them into the light of new things, since they believed the indigenous people were only savages kept in the dark. They often justified their actions and try to make them logical so that they could keep with their