Imperialism Definition, History & Examples

Instructor Introduction

• Instructor: Felicity Moran
  • Bachelors in history from Franciscan University of Steubenville
  • Master's in history from the University of Cincinnati
  • Specialties: early modern European history, gender history, music history

What is Imperialism?

• Defined as a policy of establishing and enforcing the rule of a nation on outside peoples or countries.
• Achieved through force, economic, or political control.
• Originates from Latin "imperium," meaning "to command."
• Motivations include wealth expansion, cultural superiority, religious motives.

Reasons for Imperialism

• Economic:
  • Increase wealth via resource-rich lands.
  • Expand markets and investment opportunities.
• Political:
  • Security through frontier improvement and buffer states.
• Military:
  • Use of force and maintaining armies to secure political and economic goals.
• Cultural/Moral/Religious:
  • Driven by a sense of superiority or the desire to spread religion and morals.

Imperialism Throughout History

• One of the oldest governmental practices.
• Began with the formation of cities into nations in the prehistoric period.
• Ancient Civilizations:
  • China, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans practiced imperialism.
  • Romans expanded territories extensively, impacting the Mediterranean region.
• Byzantine & Islamic Empires:
  • Continued imperial practices post-Western Roman Empire collapse.
• Early Modern Period:
  • Age of Exploration (16th century) led by Portugal, Spain, France, England in the Americas.
• 19th Century:
  • European nations turned to Africa post-independence of colonies in the Americas.
• 20th Century:
  • Germany, Imperial Japan, Soviet Union, and USA practiced varied forms of imperialism.

Examples of Imperialism

• British Expansion into India:
  • Established colonies for economic growth through accessing spices and textiles.

Types of Imperialism

• Colonies: Settlements providing complete control to imperial power.
• Protectorates: Countries under control of a greater power.
• Spheres of Influence: Territories claimed for control by great powers.

Summary

• Imperialism is a complex, multifaceted practice with motivations ranging from economic to religious.
• It has been a continuous practice throughout history, adapting to the political and cultural contexts of different eras.
• Various forms and examples demonstrate the impact of imperialism across global history.