According to Alpha History (2014a). “Imperialism is a system where a powerful nation controls and exploits one or more colonies”(para. 6). There are multiple reasons and justifications for imperialism including economic benefit for the parent country and increasing global power/influence. This practice created and encouraged competition among European nations. Each recognized the benefit from expanding to new territory and the limited availability of new territory. The result is competition and conflict over valuable locations.
Nations benefit economically from expanding into new territories and establishing colonies through mercantilism. The parent country receives rights to the raw materials and natural resources of the colony. In addition, they are able to process and manufacture products to sell back to the colonial people. |
Colonies exist to profit and enrich the imperial power. In most cases this involves the supply of precious metals or other resources, such as timber, rubber, rice or other foodstuffs. Colonies can also be invaluable sources of cheap labor, agricultural land and trading ports. (Alpha History, 2014a, para. 1) European nations competed for territory and viewed increasing territory as increasing power. The most powerful example of imperialism during the era was Great Britain. “By 1900, Britain owned a quarter of the world. Countries such as Canada, India, South Africa, Egypt, Australia and New Zealand were either owned by Britain or were still highly influenced by the British Empire” (The History Learning Site, 2015, para. 3) |
The practice of imperialism also increased the nations that participated in the alliance system. In addition, imperialism created competition for gaining territory, as increasing territory increased the potential for economic benefit. The scale of a conflict as well as the potential for conflict increased drastically due to these practices. Increasing tensions due to imperialistic decisions is demonstrated in the scramble for Africa. Africa was viewed by many European nations as an opportunity for expanding territory and gaining economic advantage. (Alpha History, 2014a).
This expansion into Africa was well received by the German population – however it caused problems in Britain and France. Many in London dreamed of a British-owned railway running the length of Africa, “from Cairo to the Cape”; Germany’s imperialist presence in central Africa was an obstacle to this vision. (Alpha History, 2014a, para. 4) |
Although not resulting in military conflict the scramble for Africa increased tension and resentment among European nations. The fallout of the scramble of Africa is one of many examples of imperialism leading to war.
Imperialistic interests in Europe also created tension among nations. The diminished Ottoman Empire provided the opportunity for European nations to increase territory in Europe. Austria-Hungary hoped to expand into the Balkans; Russia moved to limit Austrian expansion while securing access to the Black Sea; Germany wanted to ensure the security and completion of its Berlin-to-Baghdad railway. Britain and France also had colonial and trade interests in the region. (Alpha History, 2014a, para. 5) Conflict in the Balkan region of Europe will directly lead to military conflict. Imperialism combined with the nationalism of the region created an environment primed for war. |