Short Paragraph on Imperialism (415 Words)

Here is your short paragraph on Imperialism !

Imperialism was practiced by strong nations throughout the 1800’s & early 1900’s.

Imperialism refers to a policy of expanding a country’s influence & empire in various other parts of the world.

In a layman’s term imperialism is said to be a nation’s policy to control new areas. Imperialism was practiced by strong nations (Japan and European nations) over weaker nations (Africa and India was weaker nations at that time) with the intension to take a control over their political, economic and cultural life.

For instance, Africa (at the time when imperialism took place) had ample of raw materials in terms of diamonds, gold, copper and tins that developed European’s interest because they were in need of natural resources/ raw materials to run their industrial economies. Similarly India also had number of natural resources (mainly cotton).

Imperialism resulted in exploitation of people as well as resources. The main causes if imperialism was–

Economic Motives:

There was an insatiable demand for new markets and raw materials due to industrial revolution.

Nationalism:

European nations wanted to practice their prestige and power with the rest of the world. The competitions amongst the nations also grew with time.

Balance of Power:
“Balance of power” was a poem that was published in 1899 by Rudyard Kipling. At that time European nations were pressurized to rule by acquiring new colonies in order to achieve balance with their competitors and neighbors.

White Man’s Burden:

The European’s considered them superior to African and Asian due to which they felt that it is their duty to ‘civilize the heathen-savages’ whom they encountered.

Consequences of Imperialism:

I. Imperialism proved to be a highly profitable foreign policy.

II. Imperialism led to cultural diffusion which led to exchange of ideas and culture between the Eastern and Western countries. For instance, European’s methods to impart education were adopted.

III. Imperialism gave way to foreigners to study ideas of democracy & liberty embraced during various political revolutions and enlightenment.

IV. The exchange of ideas eventually ended colonization & imperialism all over the world after World War II.

V. Imperialist ruled people and led to slavery, social segrega­tion, and drain of wealth, backwardness and poverty.

VI. Imperialism played a big role in declaring the great global powers of the late 19^th century. It created military and economic giants out of what would be small and weak islands such as Japan and Great Britain. While Japan’s main focus was to expand its borders.