Causes of new imperialism 19th century

The causes of the New Imperialism in the 19th century can be attributed to a combination of factors, including:

  1. Economic factors: The Industrial Revolution had created new industries and technologies, leading to an increase in surplus capital and a desire to invest in new markets and resources.
  2. Competition and nationalism: The rise of nationalism and competition among European powers led to a desire to expand territories and establish colonies to gain access to new markets, resources, and strategic locations.
  3. Scramble for Africa: The Berlin Conference of 1884-85, where European powers divided Africa into spheres of influence, created a sense of urgency and competition to establish colonies and control resources.
  4. Rise of the United States: The United States, having recently emerged from its own colonial period, began to assert its influence globally, leading to competition with European powers for colonies and resources.
  5. Technological advancements: Improvements in transportation, communication, and military technology made it easier and more efficient to establish and maintain colonies.
  6. Social and cultural factors: The idea of "civilizing" non-Western societies and spreading Western values and culture was a driving force behind colonial expansion.
  7. National security: The need to protect trade routes, strategic locations, and national interests led to the establishment of colonies and the expansion of empires.
  8. Colonialism as a means of social reform: Some believed that colonialism could be a means of social reform, as it would allow Western societies to export their values and institutions to non-Western societies.
  9. The "white man's burden": The idea that Western societies had a moral obligation to "civilize" non-Western societies, as expressed in Rudyard Kipling's poem "The White Man's Burden," contributed to the justification of colonial expansion.
  10. The search for resources: The need for resources such as raw materials, labor, and markets drove the expansion of empires and the establishment of colonies.
  11. The role of missionaries: Christian missionaries played a significant role in promoting colonial expansion, as they sought to spread Christianity and Western values to non-Western societies.
  12. The influence of the Enlightenment: The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, progress, and the idea of a "civilized" society contributed to the belief that Western societies were superior to non-Western societies and that it was their duty to "civilize" them.

These factors combined to create a climate of competition and expansion, leading to the New Imperialism of the 19th century.