Summary of “Classical Imperialism, an economic and political background 1880-1945”

The text “Classical Imperialism, an economic and political background 1880-1945 “ was written by Madelung & Frederiksen in 1985. The text is about the British Empire and how it develops. Europeans drive to foreign lands because of their greed and idealism, and their goal is to get goods from overseas. The reason that makes it possible for the Europeans is their economic, military and technical superiority. England begins to depend more on importing raw materials, since it is very hard to feed the growing population of England. They start importing raw materials in the beginning of the 19th century, and meanwhile the other European countries begin to develop their own industries and infrastructures.
(Alex & Emil J.)
In 1880 25 % of the whole world belongs to the British Empire. France, Germany, Belgium and the United States of America are at this time building barriers to protect their new industries. The British Empire is controlling the markets economically and politically. All the countries are trying to take over Africa. In 1884 there is a conference called “The Berlin Conference”. In this conference, they are saying that without colonies, there can’t be no industry and with no industry there can’t be no adequate prosperity. They are also ratifying the principles of Free Trade and free access and, legal protection for traders, explorers, missionaries, and scientists. Finally they devote a single article to the treatment and the interests of the natives.
In Africa and in Asia the white men have to build up some knowledge of local affairs. The Europeans are interested in controlling the areas from which the slaves can be picked. They make some friends at the coasts and give them slaves from the