Nation and Imperialism Essay Example for Free

Nation and Imperialism Essay Imperialism was a very effective form of empowerment over weaker nations for early Britain and other European countries. They dominated and fought over whole continents and countries, arguing over who had conquered more land. There were many reasons why the European’s wanted to imperialize unindustrialized nations such as natural resources. This also made a big impact on said nations, positive and negative. Going on that state of mind, the long term effects of imperialism showed for decades after it really being assumed not an imperialistic state anymore. Some of the reasons the Europeans’ sought out to imperialism is because of social Darwinism, raw materials and natural resources, and prestige. Social Darwinism, the theory of survival of the fittest, was their justification for conquering weaker countries, if the country could fend off invaders then it shall be considered conquered. Raw materials and natural resources were of big importance to the Europeans. Diamonds and other precious assets that could not be found in Europe were found in the countries and could be used for trade, making the economy better. Prestige was also a major influence for imperialistic Europe. If one country had more than another then that country had to conquer more. It was all like a big game to the Europeans, until the natives of the country fought back. Then it was all a strategically thought out counter attack. The impact this made on the conquered was quite noticeable and apparent; both good and bad. A positive effect is the Europeans built them roads, canals, and railways. Showed them the telegraph, newspaper, established schools for them, gave them the blessing of their civilization, and overall made them economized. They were part of modern culture after this occurred. There were new crops; tools and farming methods, which helped increase food production. These changes meant less death to smaller colonies, and overall improve the state of living. A negative effect is the people of the dominated nations were put to work as cheap labor. They had no freedom, had to do what the mother country said since it has so much towering power over them, they were exploited and were taken advantage of. As a result, there were long term effects. The most obvious one would be the formation of nationalism. Imperialism essentially created nationalism. People of different countries under imperialism were  united because of single governmental system, one national language, development of roads, rails, common defense systems, and an unified education system; thus, making people more aware of their identity and rights; eventually leading to independence of their governing countries. The era of imperialism gave birth to new modern world. Aside from their own languages, people of different nations under imperialism also learned the language of the imperialists and started go to diverse places and establishing new links through learning and education of their conquerors. So in conclusion, imperialism had many advantages and disadvantages making it very successful for all involved. The Europeans had reasons and means to imperialize nations, made impacts, and then long term effects which in turn made each country either thrive or perish. The other nations gained economic, social, and political wealth.