Causes of New Imperialism

Which economic, political, and social forces were most responsible for the new imperialism that began in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries? Imperialism is a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force. Due to the new technology, the Industrial Revolution was the main economic force that helped with this new wave of imperialism. The political force was the growing powers of government. Social racism was a factor in the wave of imperialism.

The Industrial Revolution helped the economy grow and quickened the production of goods. Cotton was deseeded and woven faster than before. “The Industrial revolution helped advance the European nations through technology.” (www.studypool.com/discuss/479315/the-new-imperialism-causes-essay)

“The makers of cotton and iron goods have been very interested in imperialism. This group of import interests has been greatly strengthened by the demand of giant industries for colonial raw materials…” (Document 1)

The growing power of government was the political force for Imperialism. They were unfit for self-government. There was nothing left for us to do but to take them over. (Document 7) “Patriotism and growing imperial power spurred countries to compete with others for supremacy. It’s a matter of national pride, prestige and security. Empires sought strategic territory to ensure access for their navies and armies around the world. The empire must be defended and, better yet, expanded. Political motives were often triggered as responses to perceived threats to the security or prestige of the imperial power or its citizens abroad.” (http://webs.bcp.org/sites/vcleary/ModernWorldHistoryTextbook/Imperialism/section_2/motives.html)

Racism is the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. Many white men and women believed that they were superior to the African Americans and that they were just slaves. They couldn’t do anything but work in fields all day.

The Industrial Revolution gave the economic powers. The growing government power was the political force. The racism was the social force. I believe these three reasons caused Imperialism to become popular.

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