History Essay: The Impact of European Imperialism and Colonization

This history essay examines European colonization and imperialism between 1870 and 1900, focusing on the European nations' expansion into Africa. The essay explores the motivations behind colonization, including economic gains through resource acquisition and market creation, the pursuit of power, and the spread of Christianity. It discusses the concept of mercantilism and the benefits of overseas colonies for European nations, such as access to raw materials and captive markets. The essay also highlights the role of factors like military power, social Darwinism, and technological advancements in facilitating imperialism. The essay concludes by discussing the perspective of Imperialism amongst the people of the nineteenth century and how colonization benefited the European Nations in gaining power.

Running head: HISTORY ESSAY
History Essay
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1HISTORY ESSAY
Introduction:
The essay aims at discussing the facts of history in the European Nations. During the
period 1870 and 1900, there existed European diplomatic pressures, imperialist aggression,
military invasions, colonization and eventual conquest on Africa. Although the African
societies resisted against attempts of colonizing their country but it was not of much help.
The essay tries to provide an insight into the benefits of having overseas colonies by the
European Nations. There is also discussion on the meaning of Imperialism for the people who
were under the control of the Imperialist Nations during the nineteenth century.
Discussion:
The creation of colonies takes place due to various reasons. There are some countries
that establish colonies for ensuring economic expansion whereas there is other nation who
encourages the concept of colonies for acquiring more farmland in order to feed the growing
population in terms of more food and water. Jamestown was the first permanent colony of
England established in the year 1607 (Barbour, 2017). However, the interest of the European
Nations in having overseas colonies has primarily been economic gain. This is because they
realized quite early that it was only the creation of colonies would provide the necessary
natural resources for the ensuring the economic benefit of the nation. This also led to concept
of mercantilism.
The European Nations have realized several benefits in having overseas colonies.
One of the prime reasons of colonization for the European Nations has been in gaining
resources (Easterly & Levine, 2016). The European required raw materials for making
manufacturing products in the factories that included tobacco, grapes and rice. These raw
materials were easily available at cheaper rates at the colonies compared to buying them from
the other countries. The European Nations also realized that resources like silver and gold

2HISTORY ESSAY
could make the country wealthier. Moreover, the Europeans also felt that the colonies could
act as captive audience for the goods they manufactured. This served as the driving force
behind the spurring of the European Colonization.
Another factor that led to colonization was the desire of acquiring power and land.
The Europeans competed with each other for the power of the land (Ashcroft, Griffiths &
Tiffin, 2013). The presence of colonies across the world helped the European Nations in
enhancing their power as the hegemonic nations. The Colonies helped the Europeans to stop
their ships at various locations and resupply them. The colonies also served as military bases
during the war. In other words, colonization ensured the European nations with military
power. Possession of the colonies gave the country power to move around the world more
effectively. It not only determined the bases for their ships but also a homeland for the
soldiers.
The third factor for colonization has been fulfilling the desire for converting the
people the colonies to Christianity (Wiesner-Hanks, 2014). There are instances when Spain
considered people inferior if they were not Christians. The Spanish thought of converting
most people to Christianity and teach them proper means of living that also included
practicing Christianity. Colonization also implied a sign of prestige for the European Nations
that made them look more powerful.
The policy issued between the period of 1800 and 1900 was known as new
Imperialism. It refers to the action involving the extension of power of a nation through
acquisition of an inhabited territory (O'neil, 2015). The emergence of the imperialist age was
due to military, political, economic, humanitarian and religious reasons along with the
acceptance and development of a new theory of Social Darwinism and advancement in
technology. By the end of the 18th century, the European industrialized the nations by

3HISTORY ESSAY
expanding the global markets for selling products that they were not able to send
domestically. This led to the imperialist thought of setting up colonies to make the industrial
economy work effectively. According to people, military and political factors also led to
imperialism that resulted in the enhancement of the military power and national security of
the European Nation. Imperialism also emerged due to fulfilment of religious and
humanitarian goals. Social Darwinism also paved the way to imperialism (Bader, Alidadi &
Vermeulen, 2013). Europeans believed that it was a natural way for them in conquering the
inferior people for development of humanity. The missionaries support for colonization also
made ways for Imperialism. Further, it was the technology and the enhanced medical
knowledge that helped in fostering Imperialism.
Conclusion:
The essay ends with a discussion on the perspective of Imperialism amongst the
people of the nineteenth century. There are also discussions on how colonization has
benefited the European Nations in gaining power. Hence, colonization and imperialism
determined the position of the European Nation.

4HISTORY ESSAY
References:
Ashcroft, B., Griffiths, G., & Tiffin, H. (2013). Post-colonial studies: The key concepts.
Routledge.
Bader, V., Alidadi, K., & Vermeulen, F. (2013). Religious diversity and reasonable
accommodation in the workplace in six European countries: An
introduction. International journal of discrimination and the law, 13(2-3), 54-82.
Barbour, P. L. (Ed.). (2017). The Jamestown Voyages under the First Charter, 1606-1609:
Documents relating to the Foundation of Jamestown and the History of the
Jamestown Colony up to the Departure of Captain John Smith, last President of the
Council in Virginia under the First Charter, early in October, 1609. Taylor &
Francis.
Easterly, W., & Levine, R. (2016). The European origins of economic development. Journal
of Economic Growth, 21(3), 225-257.
O'neil, P. H. (2015). Essentials of Comparative Politics: Fifth International Student Edition.
WW Norton & Company.
Wiesner-Hanks, M. (2014). Christianity and sexuality in the early modern world: Regulating
desire, reforming practice. Routledge.