Research Korner: Colonialism

Outline and evaluate the impact of colonialism on the developing world

IMPACT OF COLONIALISM ON THE DEVELOPING WORLD I.          Introduction             Colonialism exists long before it was documented. Colonialism, according to historians and political scientists, has long-term negative and, perhaps positive, consequences. Such might include the possible inability of former colonies to transition themselves towards self-development and possible effects of resource extraction ( 2007).             The causality of colonialism impacts largely the developing world – Africa, Asia, Middle East and Latin America. Such effects are manifested on political, economic, social, technological, spiritual, demographical and physical constructs. II.         Impact of Colonialism II. A.    On Self-Image and Identity             The cultural impact of colonialism is evident on languages, religions and traditions . When the Great Britain colonized India, the English language rapidly penetrated the country and the indigenous languages of the natives were wiped-out gradually. The traditional culture was altered and the Indians were forced to adapt the European customs, belief and practices. Many roads, railways and harbours were built under the British regime. In addition, a telegraph system was imposed (). II. B.    On Decision-Making Structures and Leadership             Generally, the prevailing impact of colonialism points towards the weakness of decision-makers and leaders. The leadership fails to increase, or even retain, the physical legacies of colonialism. A controversial issue arises: aid relief impinges on the ability of developing nations to establishing decent services and linking the government and its people. In effect, the accountability and trust between the government and the governed is compromised ( 2005).             In effect, aid and debt relief are fostering a culture of complete dependency and irresponsibility. Thus, the tribal leadership system in Africa and other legal entities in the developing countries are increasingly being futile (2005). II. C.    On Responsibility-taking and Sense of Entitlement             During the British rule, the Indians were forced to do labor on the construction of road infrastructures and yet, the Indians were kept from benefiting from such. Regarded as the second class citizens, the Indians were banned from government positions, had little rights, often received lower wages and little compensation for their education (). II. D.    On Sense of Community and Community Mortality             Colonial rule has a long-term impact on boundaries, inclusion and division of cultural groups (). The impact of colonialism on demography is evidenced by the degree of ethnic heterogeneity in different countries. In connection, the political culture of the ruled triggers the ‘subject’ culture. Members of the community or the natives are treated as subjects and not participants. Thus, many race, individuals and countries are detached from the real world. II. E.    On Nation’s Wealth and Resources             Between 1600 and 1810, 22, 000 tons of silver and 185 tons of gold were transported from South America to Spain and in 1585 a quarter of Spain’s total revenue came from American colonies. In relation, the British colony extracted £100 million from India. Still, land was immensely acquired through extraction ( 1992). III.        Evaluation             First, colonialism nurtures underdevelopment and encourages the culture of dependency. The excessive exploitation of colonies, the draining of resources and the growth of dependency are all evidences that colonization harnesses the struggle of developing nations into self-progress. Ex-colonies countries are extremely poor today. In return, poor countries relied on developed nations regarding loans, technology, military support, markets and culture ().             Second, colonialism weakens the legal and educational systems of the colonized country. Many argued that the political crisis in Africa were product of imposing alien rules. In meeting administrative and economic needs, the colonizers educated some Africans to assist them in running the colonies (2000). Practically, the Africans were honed to take orders and obey and not to think. Thus, literacy and independence still suffers within the continent.             Third, colonialism exploits the natural resources within the colonized country and shaped the modern trade. The colonies were deprived of own valuable mineral, agricultural and other resources (1992). In connection, the colonizers have established linkages in the world system which enables them to manipulate trading and markets. Since it is possible for the rulers to produce at their comparative advantage, colonialism gave them the power to specialize in production and dispose surpluses at the expense of the colonized nation and its people. Moreover, the introduction of the physical infrastructures also enables them to manage the movement of primary products and imported goods. The colonizers also seek and create new markets wherein they can sell the produce.             Fourth, colonialism led to the dispersion of the people and the blurring of communal identity. The colonial rule engaged in widespread forced transplantation of people specifically Africans. Because of this, the sense of community had increasingly become obsolete. The subsequent result of such was the sense of inferiority of the natives and a sense of confidence on the colonizers (1992). IV.       Conclusion             More than the economic and political impact of colonialism, colonialism has affected the tradition and sense of identity of the colonized countries more specifically the developing nations. The struggle of eliminating brutal effects and maintaining the positive legacies of colonialism is evident in these countries. Many argued that amongst the colonized, Africa has the most damaged to fix and the next would be India.             Irregardless of which country it is, the causative factors of colonialism covers both the internal and external aspects of a specific country. Internally, there are language disparities and diversities in cultures, traditions and religions. The communal ownership of the people of their own resources, customs and beliefs is also being sacrificed. And that the government cannot do something about it because they are either under the power of certain rulers or they do not possess the qualities of a true leader.             Colonialism gave way to dependency and underdevelopment. While the colonizers are maximizing the use of natural resources at their advantage, they are gradually creating an environment that they will solely benefit including the production and illiteracy.             At large, colonialism benefits only those who have power and make weaker nations inferior through imperial dominion and power control beyond national borders. The colonizers imposed different rules on their comparative advantage which could be the reason why developing nations are still struggling into development. V.        Reference List

Outline and evaluate the impact of colonialism on the developing world

IMPACT OF COLONIALISM ON THE DEVELOPING WORLD I. Introduction Colonialism exists long before it was documented....

Media Systems in Africa and Middle East Before, During and After the European Colonization

Media Systems in Developing Regions Before, During and After the European Colonization   This paper discusses how the history of European colonization developed media systems in developing countries particularly, in the African and Arab regions. The first part of this paper looks at the traditional media in Africa before the arrival of Europeans. A discussion of the arrival of European colonists, their treatment of the indigenous people and some of the culture change brought about by colonization, and the introduction to mass media in Africa follows. The second part tackles the role and perceived duty of media in Africa, as well as in the Middle East. Here, the impact of media to the two regions’ society is examined.   Media System in Africa Before the European Colonialism Prior to the colonization by Europeans, Africans had effective and complex systems of interpersonal and mass communication (Moody, 2001). Messages were usually passed from person to person until the information became widely diffuse; Moreover, messages also went out to general audiences through callers, criers, bards and drummers (Doob, 1961). Communication media were the tools employed by Africans to facilitate conveyance of the messages. Callers, criers and bards frequently used whistles, bells, gongs or horns to attract audiences. The callers, criers and bards were actually the media because they acted as the instruments of message conveyance. After choosing a time, usually in the evening, when people would have returned home from the fields, these messengers would sound the attention-getting tool to call people to assembly. At this point, they would announce their news, which often emanated from tribal chiefs or elders. (Doob, 1961). Marketplaces also served as important settings for the development of talking drums as a communication medium (Bohannon, 1964). Unlike town criers, drummers usually did not have the undivided, simultaneous attention of the entire intended audience. Rather, message recipients were passers-by who happened to be within earshot of the drums. To try to attract attention and guarantee comprehension, messages were drummed repeatedly. Established, easily recognizable drum patterns enabled listeners to decipher messages. Other instruments that could carry messages include whistles, horns, reeds, and wood cylinders called tom toms (Doob, 1971). Media that carried messages independent of a human purveyor were functional objects, such as tools, or religious items, such as statues, that had been associated with meanings (Doob, 1961). These permanently encoded media, similar to today's newspapers and magazines, took second seat to auditory communication in early Africans' communication repertoire. Spoken communication, often referred to as the oral tradition, was the predominant method for conveying messages, both for immediate consumption as well as for posterity.   In both silent and oral communications, facial expressions, non-verbal sounds, gestures and physical attributes carried a great deal of meaning, not only about the message purveyor, but also about the message itself (Doob, 1961). Bohannon (1964) states the nomadic tendency of Africans coupled with the power of silent communication to overcome language barriers enabled effective diffusion of information across geographically large and culturally diverse regions. As only two societies (the Vai and the Mum) in Africa developed scripts, permanent media in the form of written works were uncommon in the entire continent. Permanent media instead were in the form of masks, statues, and other objects that had a functional attribute in addition to carrying a message (Doob, 1961). Because of lack of Western experience, Africans had difficulties interpreting the flat media such as paper and photography introduced by European colonists Doob (1961). According to Hachten (1971), researchers have had difficulty studying the array of communication media available to Africans prior to the introduction of European technologies; because the informal mechanisms of distributing information are difficult to locate. This does not suggest a lack in a structure, but because Africans’ informality makes them less conspicuous and hence less amenable to research (Hachten, 1971). Contributing to the difficulty of interpreting traditional modes of communication is the Western bias with which many researchers approach the topic (Moody, 2001). Because they were not raised within Africa's social, cultural, political, or communication tradition frameworks, they are unable to easily or thoroughly interpret them, especially those modes that are subtler. However, within the last few decades, African researchers have contributed to the study of traditional communication systems (Moody, 2001). Earlier, Ugboajah (1985) addresses the issue of cultural bias in the study of African communication systems, and he offers his analyses of traditional, or folk, media. According to Ugboajah (1985), Africans take on many forms and are rich in symbolism, therefore, folk media cannot be conveniently separated from folk cultures. Although these traditional forms of communication fell from the ranks of mainstream media when colonialists arrived and installed their own communication systems, Ugboajah (1985) asserts that folk media, retained their significance to the indigenous masses.   Media System in Africa Under the European Colonialism European colonialism has massively changed Africa's traditional social, economic, cultural and political organization. It has introduced modernization that continues to shape the continent, especially after Africans regained their political sovereignty. The communication technologies introduced by the European colonists were undoubtedly major agents for change. The introduction of mass media by the European colonists came in later, after pioneering developments in mining and farming industries and established colonial bureaucracies intended to support these industries (Bourgault, 1995). Colonial administrators greased the wheels of industry. Under the colony, civil engineers built transportation infrastructure to facilitate industrial activities; Schools provided Africans with just enough math and literacy training to equip them for low-level administrative jobs within the colonial government (Bourgault, 1995). European Colonists said they intended simply to help get African countries on track for modernization and self rule, however colonists' exploitation of natural resources and their reluctance to leave suggest that philanthropic intentions were overstated (Moody, 2003). Colonists' administrative practices had extensive effects on Africa's social, economic, cultural and political traditions. As a result, Africa shifted from a barter economy to a Western-style cash economy (Bourgault, 1995). Among the imported commodities on which Africa would later depend is Western radio and television programs (Moody, 2003). The division between the urban, administrative class and the rural/proletariat classes is the most profound effect of colonialism on modern Africa and its media systems (Moody, 2003). Colonists' education programs focused Africans students' attention toward the West, rather than toward their family's cultural heritage. Schooling required students to leave home, so traditional roles and rituals were forgotten or never learned. Africans educated in the Western tradition also were taught to think in the linear style that evolved in Europe after development of the printing press by Guggenheim in 1490 AD (Moody, 2003). This further put them at odds with their rural brethren who were still accustomed to non-linear way of thinking that grew out of Africa's oral heritage. Also, native languages lost their saliency for Western-educated Africans. The defection of the urban African elite from traditional lifestyles and value systems is important because in controlling governance of the new African nations, it also controlled the growing mass media. Because the Europeans did not have enough manpower to control the vast territories and populations they were taking over in Africa and Asia, they began to use the media as a form of mind control, colonizing people around the world, just as they also colonized information about the world (Clarke, cited in Moody, 2003). Today the mass media includes every visual object that influences the mind—billboard advertisements, commercials and more, especially movies and television. Print and radio, in particular, played important parts in the push for independence and, later, in nation-building and development campaigns. But before discussing the effects of these media, it is important to address the cultural environment into which they were introduced. Over time, a linguistic, social, cultural, and economic chasm grew between Africa's urban elite and its rural and proletariat masses. After independence, Western-educated Africans occupying low level administrative posts in the cities automatically assumed the higher level jobs and lifestyles left vacant by their departed European bosses. As a result, a political gulf also positioned itself between the groups. Interpersonal media such as telephone, post, and telegraph allowed European administrators and expatriates to stay in touch with their families, friends, and colleagues, both on the African continent and in Europe. When mass media finally came on the scene, it was (again) used to serve the interests of white colonists, not black natives (Bourgault, 1995). European-style printing presses came on the scene in Africa in the late 18th Century. Sierra Leone gained a press in 1794, however a French raiding party looted the town soon after delivery, which delayed press operation until after the turn of the 19th Century. By that time, printing presses had begun operating in Egypt and South Africa (Moody, 2003). At that time, newspapers were considered the most effective means of reaching the masses. Ziegler and Asante (cited in Moody, 2003) state that early indigenous African papers were political and outspoken on the rights of Africans around the world. Because of the strong role of the media in moving toward independence, the proper role of the press in Africa came under debate during the 20th Century. Some African leaders argued that the press must present and carry forward revolutionary purpose; to establish a progressive political and economic system upon Africa that will free men from want and every form of injustice. This would enable them to work out their social and cultural destinies in peace and at ease (Ainslie, 1967). In the revolutionary press paradigm, the African press was a direct instrument of revolutionary efforts. According to Ainslie (1967), media coverage should explain and inspire revolution rather than criticize revolutionary agents or activities. This is a view that shaped press systems in Algeria, Guinea, and Mali. Government control of media, however, became a standard in Africa, especially for radio stations, because the government was the only entity with enough money and educated personnel necessary to operate media outlets (Hachten, 1971). Radio broadcast systems were introduced in South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya the 1920s; Zambia, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, in the 1940s; Burundi, Gambia, Swaziland, Rwanda, and Tanzania, in the 1960s (Ziegler & Asante, 1992). Adoption dates do not necessarily parallel those of printing technology. Sierra Leone had one of the first printing presses but it did not have a radio system until the 1950s. Egypt and South Africa, on the other hand, held their position as early adopters of communication technologies by adopting radio in the 1920s, not long after it became widely adopted by Western audiences (Ziegler & Asante, cited in Moody, 2003). Although South Africa was quick to adopt print and radio technology, it was slow to establish a television system, something it did not do until 1972 (Ziegler & Asante, cited in Moody, 2003). On the other hand, Egypt was consistent in adopting communication technologies: it was among the first African countries to adopt print, radio and television. National leaders in Africa were reluctant to adopt television because of concern that the medium would permit hegemonic influence from American and Britain programming and potentially unleash social conflict over policies of apartheid (Hachten, 1971).   The Impact of Media: The Arab Region Experience There is a considerable body of knowledge, at a general level, relating to media impacts in a foreign context (McQueen, 2003). However, actual investigation of media use amongst non-western audiences seldom occurs, with anecdotal or circumstantial evidence usually offered (Lealand, 1984). This is particularly the case in the Arab countries, and is as much a concern to media industries as it is to mass communication scholarship. Sreberny (1999) states that the region is undergoing profound and rapid change in its media environment and in popular access to information technologies. New communications technologies and means of distribution, new producers and new audiences make the region one of the liveliest mediated cultures around, with profound implications for its politics and culture. Mowlana (1995) describes the impact of European media on the Middle East in terms of technology and content. A large number of cultural and media imperialism studies referred to by Sreberny-Mohammadi (1996) have shown, not only a continuing imbalance in information flows from the west to developing countries, but domination and influence on domestic product in terms of production values, genres, formats, ideologies, languages, national focus and cultural values. Evidence of domination has been found in relation to the west’s trade with the Middle East. Objective, empirical evidence of actual cultural erosion, or skewing of domestic media production as a result of western media flows is more difficult to provide (McQueen, 2003). A political economy analysis of media influence brought about by the European colonialism in the Gulf will take into consideration developments in both Arab and non-Arab terrestrial and satellite television, arguably, the most important delivery vehicle for western TV programs (McQueen, 2003). Furthermore, relevant information regarding local developments in video and cinema distribution must also be considered. According to Forrester (1999) the Middle East is considered a growing market, as well as an important center of production of Arabic language broadcasts and film, amongst media industry personnel. Contradictory forces, however, are also at work. Showtime, a major satellite boasts that it offers the best in western entertainment. Faisal Al-Ayyar, CEO of the Kuwaiti Investments Projects Company (Kipco) explains why Showtime has deliberately ‘steered clear’ of Arabic programming (Forrester, 2000). Al-Ayyar states that they stay with western programming where there are plenty high-quality. Accurate figures for the expansion of media organisations in the region are difficult to come by, but it is estimated that there were 6.96 million TV households in the Gulf in 1999, compared to 4.77 million only four years ago (Baskerville Communications Corp., 1999). Cinema complexes are another booming media phenomenon in the Gulf. Aloofy’s (1998) content study shows that only 7% of the total broadcasts on Gulf stations had a non-Arab source of production. Of entertainment programs only around 5% were non-Arab productions. This figure undermines the cruder versions of the cultural imperialism thesis, which claim that western entertainment dominates international television screens. As a result of western media flows, the change in Arab culture and identity is taking place. Man Chan’s (1994) analysis of Star TV’s impact on the wider Asian region notes that in addition to western broadcasts, the blending of western program formats with regional elements is resulting in a degree of cultural homogenization, at a global and regional level. Rampant consumerism is widely regarded as one effect of western media influence in this region, a belief in line with the media imperialism arguments (McQueen, 2000). The media are frequently accused of promoting materialism and values that are alien to Islamic culture (McQueen, 2000). Further evidence of growing consumerism in the Gulf area is provided by local-based marketing and advertising firms, who celebrate this phenomenon in various commercial publications. Western media, particularly satellite television and films, are often described as hostile to Islamic and Arab society (Al Harib, 1998). According to the Gulf News in the UAE there have been growing calls for a firmer political counter to the negative fallout of satellite TV’ (Oct 21st). In particular, the constant stream of western films that stereotype Arab and Islamic people have united academics, journalists and viewers in dismay. The European Colonialism Continues: Media as an Imperialism Tool Although countries in Africa and the Middle East have gained their independence from the European colonists, it is very evident that they are still under a form of colonization. This is manifested in one of Europe’s greatest legacies to Africa and the Arab region: the media. European introduced media systems for their business and personal convenience. Moreover, they developed media systems to acquire good reputation from the colony. But it seems that the end of introducing and developing media systems is to keep the colony clinging to European culture and tradition even after the colonization. Thus, neo-colonialism occurs, manifested mainly in media.   The idea of cultural and media imperialism implies that modem world media systems have provided an important and strategic means whereby dominant nations have attempted to extend and develop their economic, political and cultural forms of control and power in the global arena. (O’Sullivan & Jewkes, 1997). Hamelink (1995) argues that integrating the communications systems of the developing and developed world eliminates the spaces in which people in developing countries can imagine or construct alternative paths to development, and thus contributes to a pattern of cultural synchronization. As a result, there is a loss of autonomy and cultural difference, and a hierarchical ordering of the world into dependent and exploitative relations (Hamelink, 1995). According to Tracey (1985), cultural and media imperialism theories are closely linked to the promotion of global consumerism and the generation of a culture conducive to wider western corporate interests. Transborder broadcasting, especially direct satellite broadcasting, has been challenged as a form of cultural imperialism (Xiaoming, 2000). Western broadcasters are often accused of creating social instability, destroying local industries and eroding local culture by beaming programs to other countries without permission (Xiaoming, 2000). This is due to the fact that television is not simply an entertainment medium; it has the ability to communicate the norms, rules, and values of a society. Gerbner et al. (1986) state that the major social function of television lies in the continual repetition of patterns (myths, ideologies, facts, relationships, etc.), which serve to define the world, legitimize the social order, and cultivate cultural values. Similarly, Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur (1990) state that mass communication can play an important part in creating the conditions for development of values and value priorities. Moreover, multi-channel cable environment have transformed television viewing. Nowadays, TV programming in Africa and the Middle East is geared towards entertainment, and have served to move the television viewing experience from programming per se to a more control-based consumption experience that involves an active audience.   Conclusion The effects of mass media on Africa are intertwined with the effects of the European colonization on the continent. In examining the general themes that arise on pre-colonial, colonial and revolutionary periods of Africa's history gives one an insight. Africa’s European colonial history shows that the introduction of media systems resulted to a massive change in Africa’s culture and tradition. On the other hand, in the Middle East, the European colonialism has left a legacy that is difficult to let go. As media in this region has been introduced and developed by European colonists, it is inevitable for people in this region not to be hegemonized by the European tradition and culture present in media.             References Ainslie, R. (1967). The press in Africa: Communications past and present. New York: Walker. Al Harbi, K. (1998) Five challenges for the Saudi Media Al – Eqtisadiah  in Arab View. Available at [www.arab.net/arabview/articles]. Accessed [13/10/03]. Aloofy, A. (1998) What makes Arabian Gulf satellite TV programs? A comparative analysis of the volume, origin, and type of program. Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, ‘The Information Revolution and the Arab World’ ECSSR Ball-Rokeach, S., & DeFleur, M. (1990). Theories of communication (5th ed.). New York: Longman. Baskerville Communications Corp. (1999) quoted in Forrester, C. January 2000, Gulf Marketing Review. Bohannon, P. (1964). Africa and Africans. Garden City, NY: The Natural History Press.   Bourgault, L. M. (1995). Mass media in sub-Saharan Africa. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press.   Doob, L. W. (1961). Communication in Africa. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. Forrester, C. (1999) Cairo and Beyond Capital Cities Media, Inc. Multichannel News International Supplement March. Gerbner, G., Gross, L., Morgan, M., & Signorielli, N. (1986). Living with television: The dynamics of the cultivation process. In J. Bryant & D. Zillmann (Eds.), Perspectives on media effects (pp. 17-40). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.   Hachten, W. A. (1971). Muffled drums: The news media in Africa. Ames, IA: The Iowa State University Press. Hamelink, C. (1995) Trends in world communication, Unit 13 for the MA in Mass Communication (by Distance Learning). Centre for Mass Communication Research, University of Leicester, United Kingdom. Lealand, G. (1984) American television programmes on British screen. Broadcasting Research Unit quoted in O'Sullivan et al. (1994) 'Studying the Media' Edward Arnold. Man Chan, J. (1994) National responses and accessibility to Star TV in Asia’ in Sreberny-Mohammadi, A. et al (Eds) (1997) ‘Media in Global Context: A Reader’ Arnold McQueen, D. (2003) Hollywood and Arab identity in the Arabian Gulf. Dissertation for MA in Mass Communications. Available at [members.tripod.com]. Accessed [13/10/03]. Moody, A. (2001) Electronic media in Africa. Media Technologies and Society, Fall.  Mowlana, H. (1995) Mass media systems and communication in the Middle East, Unit 16(a) for the MA in Mass Communication (by Distance Learning). Centre for mass Communication Research, University of Leicester, United Kingdom. Sreberny, A. (1999) MCDL listserve 28th September 1999 call for papers Sreberny-Mohammadi, A (1996) in Curran, J. and Gurevitch, M (eds) (1996) Mass Media and Society Arnold. Ugboajah, F. O. (ed.). (1985). Mass communication, culture and society in West Africa. Oxford: K.G. Saur.   Xiaoming, H. (April 2000) Party Dominance vs. Cultural Imperialism: China's Strategies to Regulate Satellite Broadcasting. Communication Law and Policy. Vol. 5, No. 2: 155-182(28).

Media Systems in Africa and Middle East Before, During and After the European Colonization

Media Systems in Developing Regions Before, During and After the European Colonization This paper discusses how the history of Eu...

What Are The Consequences Of Imperialsim On Great Britain’s Foreign Policy In The Late 19th And Early 20th Centuries?

Consequences of Great Britain’s Imperialism   Introduction Imperialism is a popular term for the goal of colonies politically submissive and economically profitable especially in Europe. The European imperialism is also called as the high imperialism to distinguish it from all efforts at the Europe’s conquest before the late 19th century. In terms of politics and economics, the imperialism is a system and pursuits of an empire when at the same time; there is a process of accumulation and acquisition of land resources, labors, and profits. However, even if there is an emerging idea of accumulating and acquisition of resources, there still remains a philosophical view that suggests that the acquired territories are also benefited when it comes to the action of civilization. The European power of 19th century is the applied word to the Quadruple Alliance powers of Great Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia, and later with France (Eloranta, History). In the introduction of the industrialization, the ambition of European powers led to encounter new people (Sage, Imperialism). High imperialism scaled the earlier efforts at conquest. The revolution and industrialization gave way to the aim of preserving the peace and diplomatic agreement that is called Concert of Europe (Eloranta, History). Concert of Europe is a name characterized by an enormous disparity of powers between the colonizers and colonized. The imperialism that really left a mark in the history of the world also left consequences after the 19th and 20th century. These consequences caused the colonized countries experience different realization since the time they were colonized. It is very evident that the changes appeared and improvement were experienced in building an empire, but the present time is still connected from the past and all that happened in those centuries will reflect in this generation. Issues on Imperialism How the European did Managed the Imperialism Possible? Europeans idea of imperialism is quite unique and somehow risky. The possibility was rated by starting the technology that can definitely provide the efficiency in all parts of the worlds especially in the colonized countries. Out of technology, Europeans crafted steamship and railroads for easy transportation; telegraph cables for the easy transmission of messages; and even rapid-firing rifles and machine guns that can be use in drastic times most especially in wars (Dore & Weeks, Faces).  What Are the Reasons Behind Imperialism? There are many reasons of imperialism done by the Europeans but some are presented to be valid and still existed in many historical accounts. The search for the new markets is the first considered reason for European when it comes to manufacturing of goods that can answer both the issue of overproduction and under consumption. For them new markets means new consumers (Sage, Imperialism). Second is the search for other raw materials that are needed in European industry such as oil, cotton, rubber, tin, copper, and gold. When they successfully found a land that can satisfy their need for these raw materials, the European industry will definitely survive. Tailing to this reason is the cheap and profitable labor the Europeans discovered. In those times, there are laborers that are expert in growing cottons and opium. Then, what is a business industry without an asset? This idea is still applicable until this time ad Europeans are in search for their third reason in finding a cheap and profitable land. The explorers are well-trained to navigate toward the areas where there is a fertile land that suits for their needs. The fourth in allotted in search for goods that are demanded in their mass consumption market such as coffee, chocolate, teas, bananas, and oranges. And the ultimate goal to acquire their needs easily is colonize the lands they invaded for the sake of their search.  Consequences The colonies also play a special role in helping the stability of the mother country by providing the cheap raw materials, land, and labor, and providing open markets. In return, the colonies are benefited by providing efficient technology that improves the worth of living in their country. Moreover, the word civilization enters in the view of the colonized countries (Murray, Consequences). The provided steamships changed the idea in month-long voyages into approximately two weeks. The armaments made the European military conquest easier as well as the effectiveness of the medicines. European opened the eyes of the colonized countries and making them realize that technology is power that is above the natural world and the people. And through this idea, another view was promoted saying that those who wield technology also wield power. Also, European imperialism contributed in the nationalistic view of all the colonized countries. A strong nation needs nationalism and this idea triggered in creating their own flags, national holidays for their love of the country, and as much as possible improvement in the conditions of the working class by providing them with economic benefits. The imperialism spread the European political and economic domination not only in their colonized countries but throughout the globe. The economic effect in colonized countries tends to produce one or two primary products with an aim to export them to the mother country. This is also the main aim of manufacturers to market their products in the European central that is why most of them became merchants (Sage, Imperialism). For both producers and manufacturers, serving the mother country is a great honor on their part. This kind of value reveals their importance of nationalism. Aside from the benefits, the colonized countries or the European nations experience the diplomatic crises due to the competition. The war of nations against nations outside the Europe happened. The term diplomatic is applied because the main purpose of the competition is to serve which results in their own miseries. Also, the concept of race thinking became a transgression for some because of the thinking that other is inherently superiors and others are inherently inferior (Eloranta, History). The discrimination strengthened the human difference in terms of history, language, religion, and culture. Conclusion The imperialism that happened in the 19th and 20th century is still connected with the present era and will be reflected in the future. The assessed consequences were divided into two, the benefits of imperialism and the drawbacks it delivered to the colonized country. Since the European minds started the thrust in making the life worth living, the credits will be theirs forever. But the question is, does all of the efforts, especially noted the industrial revolution, of the Europeans promotes better living? Take the example of creating guns and rifles. If you will think the other story behind it, you will assume that the Europeans only supported the idea of war, the greatest-deadly invention. This leads them to win over and over after the several wars. But critically assessed the other side, historically, all of the colonized nation of the European powers are developed countries. Why? It is because of the nationalism. The mother country, Great Britain, recognized the existence and importance of the colonized country. If a colonize country or the mother country acquired a new kind of technology, the Europeans share it to the other colonized countries. This economically tactics leads to create progress not only on the side of the mother country, but also on the colonized country. One country should be left out in the improvement and progress of all. Works Consulted: Dore, Liz & Weeks, John. “The Changing Faces of Imperialism” NACLA Report on the Americas, (1996): 30, No. 2, p. 10. Web: www.questia.com. 03 Dec 2009. Eloranta, Jari. “History 5106-375: European Imperialism”. Appalachian State University, 2009. Web: http://www.appstate.edu/~elorantaj/europeanimperialismlecture10.pdf. 03 Dec 2009. Murray, Craig. “The Consequences of Imperialism”. Craig Murray Organization UK, 25 Jan. 2009. Web: http://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2009/01/the_consequence.html. 03 Dec 2009. Sage, Elizabeth. “What was Imperialism, and What Effects Did it Have?” Whittier Academic, 2009. Web: www.web.whittier.edu/academic/.../worldhistory/Imperialism.pdf. 03 Dec 2009.     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

What Are The Consequences Of Imperialsim On Great Britain’s Foreign Policy In The Late 19th And Early 20th Centuries?

Consequences of Great Britain’s Imperialism Introduction Imperialism is a popular term for the goal of colonies politically submi...

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