Global Imperialism: Causes, Colonial Structures, and New Powers
The New Imperialist Powers
U.S. Imperialism
The economic causes of American expansionism stemmed from high economic growth and were a direct result of intense European protectionism. Imperialism was also based on a strong ideological foundation.
- Social Darwinism: This concept gained wide acceptance, promoting the idea that the U.S. must compete fiercely with other nations to survive internationally.
- Monroe Doctrine: The American continent was considered its natural sphere, allowing the U.S. to intervene anywhere to defend its interests.
American colonialism was characterized not by territorial conquest, but by interference in the internal affairs of countries and the economic subjugation of governments.
Japanese Expansionism
Following the Meiji Restoration, Japan began a process of economic and social modernization. This growth fueled its transformation into an imperialist power.
Government-led expansionism extended from the Pacific to Asian shores, aiming to:
- Secure food supplies for its growing population.
- Obtain raw materials for industry.
- Defend its interests against the power of China and Russia.
Organization of Colonial Empires
Colonial Administration: Types of Settlement
Colonies were categorized based on the nature of settlement:
- Colonies of Exploitation: Characterized by a small immigrant population and focused on the systematic exploitation of resources.
- Colonies of Settlement: Characterized by large-scale European emigration. Europeans imposed their rule upon the natives.
Types of Colonies by Administrative Structure
Colonies were also categorized based on their administrative organization:
- Colonies: Report directly to the metropolitan government. The governor and officials form the ruling elite.
- Protectorates: Maintain a theoretical internal indigenous government, but the Metropolis controls foreign policy and the military.
- Domains: Characterized by a large indigenous population and a white minority that establishes institutions similar to those in the metropolis.
- Mandates: A territory taken from a defeated power of World War I and administered by a victorious power, as mandated by the League of Nations.
Causes of Imperialism
Europe’s Dominance
Industrialized countries emerged from economic crises thanks to major technological innovation, the remodeling of business structures, and the expansion of markets into Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Economic Drivers
Industrial Needs
The primary needs of industry that fueled imperialism included:
- Establishing export markets for industrial production.
- Securing abundant raw materials at low cost.
- Utilizing unskilled labor and low wages.
Infrastructures (like railways and ports) were built specifically to facilitate the entry and exit of products.
Political and Strategic Factors
Colonial hegemony led to an increase in political power and provided a strategic military advantage. This resulted in:
- Control of commercial and military land and sea routes.
- Blocking the expansion of competitors.
- Increased global diplomatic influence.
Demographic Reasons
The massive population increase (often termed ‘natural growth’) generated significant emigration. Colonial territories offered places to settle this population or new lands to conquer.
Ideological and Scientific Causes
Scientific interest drove the exploration of unknown areas. Geographical and anthropological societies organized expeditions. These explorations opened new routes subsequently utilized for military and economic purposes.
Key Vocabulary of Imperialism
- Cartel
- An association of companies formed to restrict or eliminate competition.
- Trust
- A merger of several companies into a single new entity.
- Holding Company
- A company that owns capital (shares) in a variety of different companies to monitor and control their activities.
- Monopoly
- A single manufacturer or distributor that has exclusive control over a product or service, allowing it to dictate prices.