Causes of new imperialism

The causes of New Imperialism, which refers to the period of intense colonial expansion by European powers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, can be attributed to a combination of factors. Some of the main causes include:

1. Economic factors: The Industrial Revolution had created new industries and technologies that required raw materials and markets to operate. Imperialism provided a way for European powers to access these resources and markets.
2. Competition for resources: As European powers industrialized, they needed access to new sources of raw materials, such as coal, iron, and cotton. Imperialism allowed them to secure these resources and gain a competitive advantage over other powers.
3. Nationalism and patriotism: The rise of nationalism in Europe created a sense of patriotism and a desire to expand one's country's influence and territory. Imperialism was seen as a way to demonstrate national strength and prestige.
4. Scientific and technological advancements: Advances in transportation, communication, and medicine made it easier and more efficient for European powers to colonize and administer distant territories.
5. Rise of the United States: The United States' emergence as a global power created a sense of competition and rivalry with European powers, leading to a desire to expand their own empires.
6. Berlin Conference (1884-85): The Berlin Conference, where European powers divided Africa among themselves, created a sense of urgency and competition to establish colonies and secure territories.
7. Scramble for Africa: The scramble for Africa, which began in the late 19th century, was a period of intense competition among European powers to colonize and divide the continent.
8. Colonialism as a means of social control: Imperialism was also seen as a way to maintain social control and stability in Europe by providing a safety valve for social and economic tensions.
9. Missionary and humanitarian impulses: Some European powers, such as Britain and France, saw imperialism as a way to spread Christianity and Western values to non-Western societies.
10. Military and strategic considerations: Imperialism was also driven by military and strategic considerations, such as the need to protect trade routes, secure strategic locations, and maintain a balance of power in the region.
11. Rise of the concept of "civilization": The idea of "civilization" and the notion that Western societies were superior to non-Western ones created a sense of moral obligation to "civilize" and "develop" non-Western societies.
12. Government and business interests: Government and business interests, such as the British East India Company, played a significant role in promoting and justifying imperialism.

These factors interacted and reinforced each other, leading to the rapid expansion of European empires in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.