Why did imperialism become popular again during the last quarter of the 19th century?
The Industrial Revolution needed raw materials and people to who to sell the finished products.
Imperialism becoming popular again during the last quarter of the 19th century is a complex historical phenomenon. To understand why this happened, we need to look at a few key factors:
1. Economic Motives: Industrialization in Europe and the United States led to a demand for new markets and sources of raw materials. Imperial powers sought to gain control over territories rich in natural resources to fuel their industries. They saw imperialism as a means to expand their economic dominance and increase their wealth.
2. Nationalism and Competition: Imperialism often went hand in hand with nationalistic sentiments. European powers competed with one another to establish colonies and territories as markers of their national prestige and power. This competition sometimes resulted in a race for territory, especially in Africa and parts of Asia.
3. Technological Advancements: During this period, there were significant advancements in transportation and communication technology. Steamships, railways, and the telegraph made it easier for imperial powers to reach distant lands, establish control, and maintain efficient administration over vast territories. This further facilitated the spread of imperialism.
4. Social Darwinism and the "White Man's Burden": The late 19th century saw the rise of ideas like Social Darwinism, which applied Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection to human societies. Some proponents of imperialism argued that it was the duty of the "civilized" nations to bring progress and civilization to the "backward" peoples of the world. This ideology, known as the "White Man's Burden," provided moral justifications for imperial expansion.
To understand the specific historical context and events that led to the resurgence of imperialism during this time, it is essential to study the geopolitical situation, the events of the Scramble for Africa, the Opium Wars, and other important incidents that occurred during this period. Detailed historical analysis can provide a more comprehensive understanding of why imperialism became popular again during the last quarter of the 19th century.