From 1850-1914 imperialism cast a shadow of racism, forced labor, and conflict across the globe. Some will argue that the addition of new technologies, better education, and improved sanitation made this time a positive one. Overall, imperialism could be viewed as having both a positive and negative impression on the world. Nevertheless, after analyzing all the information, it is clear that the negatives strongly outweigh the positives. Imperialism itself is defined as, the act of a strong nation controlling a weaker nation (SFA 115). There were two main methods that imperialists used to manage their colonies. The first was used mainly by France and other European nations and was called direct control. They believed that natives simply could …show more content…
A colony is when an external nation holds control over an area or territory. Colonial rule allowed for Africa to have a reduced amount of conflict and adapt new technologies such as dams, railroads, and telegraph lines. However, it also forced natives out of their homes, caused them to lose traditions, and were put to work in horrible conditions. (SFA 117-118) The conditions the indigenous people were put through are clearly displayed in the illustration titled, “Learning Civilized Ways is Hard Work”. The picture shows two native people carrying a imperialist around like horses. (DBQ Doc.2)A protectorate runs its own day-to-day affairs but has an outside power over them. This type of imperialism allowed the local government to hold the most control over their country and, or area. (SFA 117) A sphere of influence is an area where a foreign nation has control investments and trade. China was one giant example of this type of control. When China began to weaken, other countries came to take over and most of them used the sphere of influence technique. (SFA 128) Finally, economic imperialism was when an independent nation was controlled, not by an outside government, but by a foreign business. This type was largely exercised by the British East India Company which ruled over large amounts of lands and armies in India. (SFA …show more content…
This opinion was, indeed, supported by some of the positive effects imperialism had on the world. The first being the new technology and infrastructure presented to Africa by other more advanced countries. This included roads, dams, telephone lines, and telegraph lines.. Along with these advances came better education and communication in conquered areas. ”Progressive nations develop the territory by building roads, canals, railways, and telegraphs. They can establish schools and newspapers for the colonies and give these people the benefit of other blessings of civilization which they have not the means of creating themselves,” claimed O.P. Austin. (Doc 1) Additionally, colonies experienced a decrease in local conflict while they were ruled over by these foreign countries. This goes to show that imperialism could bring peace and order to colonies as long as it didn’t go overboard. (SFA