Difference between imperialism and new imperialism
Imperialism and New Imperialism are two related but distinct concepts in the study of international relations and history.
Imperialism:
Imperialism refers to the policy of extending a country's power and influence through the establishment of colonies, conquests, and the exploitation of resources in other territories. This can involve the use of military force, economic coercion, or cultural domination to achieve control over other regions or peoples. Imperialism has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Romans, Greeks, and Chinese.
New Imperialism:
New Imperialism, also known as Late Imperialism or Neo-Imperialism, refers to the resurgence of imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the period from the 1870s to the 1910s. This period saw the rise of European powers, such as Britain, France, Germany, and Belgium, which sought to expand their empires and establish colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
The key differences between Imperialism and New Imperialism are:
- Scale and scope: New Imperialism was characterized by a more extensive and rapid expansion of European powers, with the establishment of new colonies and the expansion of existing ones.
- Technological advancements: New Imperialism was facilitated by technological advancements, such as the development of steamships, railroads, and telegraphs, which enabled faster and more efficient communication and transportation.
- Economic motivations: New Imperialism was driven by economic motivations, such as the need for new markets, resources, and investment opportunities, as well as the desire to protect and expand existing trade networks.
- Colonial administration: New Imperialism saw the development of more sophisticated colonial administration systems, with the establishment of formal colonial governments, bureaucracies, and institutions.
- Resistance and anti-colonial movements: New Imperialism was met with resistance and anti-colonial movements from indigenous peoples and colonized populations, which led to conflicts and struggles for independence.
Some notable features of New Imperialism include:
- The Scramble for Africa (1881-1914), during which European powers carved up the continent into colonies and spheres of influence.
- The establishment of colonial empires in Asia, such as British India and French Indochina.
- The development of colonial economies, with the exploitation of natural resources, labor, and markets.
- The rise of anti-colonial movements and nationalist struggles, such as the Indian Independence Movement and the African National Congress.
In summary, while Imperialism is a broader concept that encompasses the policy of extending power and influence through colonization, New Imperialism refers specifically to the resurgence of imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by technological advancements, economic motivations, and the establishment of new colonies and colonial administrations.