Western New Imperialism - Essay Example

Western New Imperialism began in the late nineteenth- and early twentieth century by the Western powers, notably Great Britain, France, Germany and Portugal. “Although there are sharp differences of opinion over the reasons for, and the significance of, the “new imperialism”, there is little dispute that at least two developments in the late 19th and at the beginning of the 20th century signify a new departure: (1) notable speedup in colonial acquisitions; (2) an increase in the number of colonial powers.

” (Britannica Online)The new wave of imperialism was triggered to a great extent by industrialization. The western countries depended upon African and Asian countries for raw material and colonization was a means to access and exploit the rare and precious commodities of the colonies. Apart from this, for some imperialists, the motive behind imperialism was to spread Christianity or Western ethics, laws and culture around the world; for others, it was the precious commodities of Asian and African countries and golden chances for investment.

For some, it was merely for personal or national glory or a strategic advancement. “In short, British and French motives were characteristic of the medley of motives that constituted late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century European imperialism.” (Fieldhouse 341) The three leading imperialists: Great Britain, France and Germany had their respective motives and interests in establishing their imperialism. Germany wished to defeat the rising socialism in the country and to prove that it was equal to the British by acquiring its own empire.

 Western new imperialism was greatly facilitated by the technological advancement in the development of machinery, railways, roads, steamships, factories and global trade. The weak political structures and their internal conflicts in Asian and African countries made them vulnerable to the new imperialism. The long term political, national and religious strategic motives of the imperialists played dominant roles in the development of new Western imperialism.