Imperialism in Europe and Effects of The Policy on European Nations

Imperialism refers to the state of a nation superimposing its political, economic and social life over another state. It is known to have various effects on the target group. European nations are known to have practised imperialism for a long time with the age of imperialism considered to begin in the early 1800s. During this time, Europe was said to be a world leader, and the states within Europe established colonies within Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The states which owned colonies encouraged their citizens to populate them. Imperialism boosted the economy of Europe. Nonetheless, the effect of imperialism on different nations can be seen up to date.

A statement by DadabhaiNaroji; the leader of the Indian independence movement in 1871 states that the rule of Britain has been a blessing to the nations it exercised its rule on. The natives referred to the rule as the knife of sugar meaning that it was helpful on one side but still dangerous on the other. On one side, the countries which termed themselves as superior acted superior by ensuring that they improved the healthcare of for the natives thus eradicating major disease and extending the lifespan of many people. They established centres where such chronic and detrimental ailments could be taken care of such as the Catholic hospitals where leapers were treated in 1905. The Europeans also introduced modern civilization, boosted the economies of these nations, built schools and roads, and introduced better crops also introduced better ways of living. On the other hand, there was forced labour where the natives acted as slaves. Even kids were forced to work for the colonialists. For example, a picture taken in 1919 shows children spinning cotton in Cameroon which shows that the colonialists were so much after the outputs from their colonies and they would do anything to improve the output

A statement by A.E. Scrivener a European missionary in 1903 for a private company that ruled in Congo shows that the natives had no rights of their own and had to follow the rule of their superiors. They were being used as slaves where they were sent to the forest to harvest rubber until they pleased their bosses failure to which they would be killed. This indicated the extent of mistreatment and the main aim of colonization which was to acquire as much of the resources as they could from the colonies. The greed for the resources made the superiors to even evacuate the natives from their areas of residence to some place where everyone could be monitored and forced to work when they were needed to. A speech by Kaiser Wilhelm II; the German emperor directed to the North Regatta Association in 1901 shows that the acquisition of the territories by the European states was to benefit from the resources in these colonies. It shows that they were willing to do anything to acquire colonies and benefit from them.

Jules Ferry, the French prime mister speech in 1884 addressed to the French chambers of deputies about the French colonial expansion shows how the Europeans regard themselves as a superior race compared to the other races where they had established their colonies. The speech shows that many of the countries have always been controlled and have lost their ability to acquire as much power as they can over these states since every move they make is being monitored and controlled. It also indicates that the European nations want to remain on top and enjoy the advantages they get from these nations rather than departing from them. Jules’ point of view was that the superiors had higher rights over the natives. Thus they should always remain at the top. This is why they need places like Madagascar and Cameroon to refuel and supply their Navy ships with the necessities. Nonetheless, they have made their colonies civilized which is a great advantage enjoyed by the natives. Another document describing how the east African empire came to be was obtained from F.D. Lugard; who served as a colonial administrator for Britain1893 indicates how Europeans regard themselves as superior races which must be respected by the Africans. The main reason as to why the empire was acquired was to just earn respect from Africans by having them subdue to the rule of Britain. This made Britain feel super even due to its superior accomplishments. Lugard also states that it would be foolish for a European to adopt the mode of life of the natives.

A document was written by the Earl of Croner; Egypt’s viceroy in 1908 explaining the reasons as to why Britain acquired Egypt as their colony in 1882 states that Egypt was an interest for many nations since it is on the high road to the Far East. Its operations have therefore always been overseen by Britain with the country investing heavily in Egypt. This is due to the many advantages that Britain is bound to enjoy by remaining in Egypt.