New Imperialism and Advancement of Civilization

New Imperialism and Advancement of Civilization

Thesis: New Imperialism was not beneficial in the advancement of civilization as it created not only political problems, but destroyed native culture and industry, and promoted confrontation between the cultures.

First, new imperialism resulted in many political problems in colonies. European nations caused disruptions in many traditional political units. Moreover, European nations united rival communities under one government and tried to bring stability and order in areas where local conflicts had existed for years. In the latter years, ethnic conflicts that developed in those areas could be traced to the imperial policies imposed. According to Fabri when political power forces itself into the foreground, it results in barbarism (5). Western powers experienced tension due to imperialism. Rivalries between France and Great Britain contributed to hostile conditions in colonies.

Second, new imperialism resulted in confrontations between the cultures. Europeans believed that their culture was superior compared to non-Europeans. Besides, superior races felt they had a right to civilize inferior races (Katherine 2). Therefore, they forced people to abandon their cultures and accept the Western culture. Due to the pressure to westernize cultures, colonial people were forced to reevaluate their tradition and focused on discouraging customs such as foot binding in China. New imperialism enhanced a struggle of race against race (Pearson 1). The struggle consisted of unconscious barbaric tribes (Pearson 1).

Third, new imperialism adversely affected native culture and industry. Under foreign rule, Europeans imported goods and used them in their colonies thus wiping out local craft industries. Moreover, colonial powers used colonies as sources of raw materials and markets for the imported goods thus limiting colonies from developing industries. Colonies experienced low standards of living since Europeans had funneled natural wealth from these countries to the mother countries (Fabri 5).

 

Works Cited

Fabri, Friedrich. “Does Germany need colonies? Trans. E. Breuning and E. Chamberlain.” Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen Press, 1879. Print.

Katherine J. Waldi. Sources of the making of the West. Vol 2. 4th ed. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2012. Print.

Pearson, Karl. National life from the standpoint of science. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1919. Print.

 

 

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