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118 Imperialism Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Imperialism has been a controversial topic throughout history, with many arguing that it has brought about both positive and negative consequences. If you are studying imperialism and are in need of essay topic ideas, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with 118 imperialism essay topic ideas and examples to help you get started on your writing.

• Discuss the motivations behind European imperialism in Africa.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on indigenous cultures in North America.
• Evaluate the role of imperialism in shaping the modern Middle East.
• Compare and contrast British and French imperialism in Asia.
• Examine the economic effects of imperialism on colonized countries.
• Discuss the role of racism in justifying imperialism.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on gender roles in colonized societies.
• Evaluate the legacy of imperialism in Latin America.
• Discuss the resistance movements against imperialism in Africa.
• Analyze the role of technology in facilitating imperialism.
• Compare and contrast the effects of imperialism in India and China.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the environment.
• Evaluate the role of missionaries in promoting imperialism.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the global economy.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the scramble for Africa.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on education in colonized countries.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of disease.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on native languages and cultures.
• Evaluate the legacy of imperialism in the Caribbean.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the Opium Wars.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of nationalism.
• Evaluate the role of imperialism in the partition of Africa.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the slave trade.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the rise of global capitalism.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of infrastructure.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the spread of Christianity.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the colonization of Australia.
• Evaluate the legacy of imperialism in the Pacific Islands.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of urban centers.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the exploitation of natural resources.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the spread of European culture.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the creation of borders in Africa.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of political systems.
• Evaluate the legacy of imperialism in the Middle East.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of medicine.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of democracy.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of transportation networks.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of Western education.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of agriculture.
• Evaluate the legacy of imperialism in Southeast Asia.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of trade networks.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of industrialization.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of legal systems.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of nationalism.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of social hierarchies.
• Evaluate the legacy of imperialism in South America.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of military forces.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of technology.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of communication networks.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of Western values.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of healthcare systems.
• Evaluate the legacy of imperialism in the Indian subcontinent.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of educational systems.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of cultural practices.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of scientific knowledge.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of religious beliefs.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of environmental policies.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of economic policies.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of political ideologies.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of social welfare programs.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of military technologies.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of diplomatic relations.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of cultural exchanges.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of educational opportunities.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of labor relations.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of environmental conservation efforts.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of human rights.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of democratic institutions.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of technological innovations.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of international cooperation.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of economic prosperity.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of political stability.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of cultural preservation efforts.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of social justice movements.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of environmental sustainability.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of educational reform.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of healthcare access.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of economic growth.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of technological advancements.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of political freedom.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of cultural diversity.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of social equality.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of gender equality.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of human rights protections.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of civil liberties.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of environmental awareness.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of sustainable development practices.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of international law.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of peacekeeping efforts.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of conflict resolution mechanisms.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of humanitarian aid.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of disaster relief efforts.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of refugee assistance programs.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of human trafficking prevention.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of child labor eradication.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of education for all initiatives.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of healthcare for all programs.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of income inequality reduction.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of poverty alleviation efforts.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of food security programs.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of clean water access initiatives.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of sanitation services.
• Analyze the impact of imperialism on the development of housing solutions.
• Discuss the role of imperialism in the spread of sustainable energy projects.
• Evaluate the impact of imperialism on the development of transportation systems.
• Analyze the role of imperialism in the spread of telecommunications networks.
• Discuss the impact of imperialism on the development of internet access.

In conclusion, imperialism is a complex and multifaceted topic that has had far-reaching effects on societies around the world. By choosing one of the essay topic ideas provided above, you can delve deeper into the study of imperialism and explore its various impacts on different aspects of society. Whether you are interested in analyzing the economic effects of imperialism or evaluating its role in shaping political systems, there is a wide range of essay topics to choose from. So, pick a topic that interests you the most and start writing your imperialism essay today.

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130 Imperialism Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on imperialism, 👍 good imperialism research topics & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting imperialism research titles, 💡 simple imperialism essay ideas, ❓ imperialism essay questions.

• Themes of Oppression and Imperialism in Literature
• European Imperialism in Africa: The Main Causes
• Christopher Columbus and 16th-Century Imperialism
• British Imperialism in India: Literature Review
• Benefits of Imperialism from a Manufacturer’s Perspective: “The White Man’s Burden” Poem
• World War I: Nationalism, Imperialism, Militarism
• Strengths and Weaknesses of the Theories of Capitalist Imperialism Proposed by Hobson-Lenin
• Jules Ferry: A Defense of French Imperialism and Colonialism In his speech delivered in the French Chamber of Deputies in 1844, Jules Ferry offered reasoning for the deployment of the colonization policy and imperialism.
• The Gold Coast: The Impact of British Imperialism The period of British rule of the Gold Coast was an era of significant progress of the latter in economic development.
• Marx’s vs. Lenin’s Imperialism Theories The term ‘imperialism’ is often used by different scholars and theorists in varying perspectives to refer to a number of ideologies.
• American Imperialism in the Late 1800s In the late 19th century, the United States, the former colony of the British Empire, became the colonizer with the annexation of Spanish territories.
• Aspects of European Imperialism During European imperialism, East African cultures lost their cultures and tradition due to the introduction of Christianity and Western culture.
• Industrial Imperialism: China and Japan It is important to note that Asia has always hosted one of the largest, wealthiest, and most powerful empires throughout history. However, the industrial revolution was the key turning point when Europe was able to supersede Asia and subjugate its nations. The given analysis will focus on the comparative analysis…
• Patrice Lumumba and Imperialism in Congo The life of Patrice Lumumba is connected with the history of imperialism in Congo. In the late 1950s, Africa was referred to in the world press as a “raging continent.”
• Cultural Democracy and Internet Imperialism The source helps draw a connection between the conscious domination of cultural niches and its impact on global biases within media.
• Artificial Intelligence as a Part of Imperialism: Challenges and Solutions Artificial intelligence is part of the process of imperialism, its offshoot, which is commonly called information imperialism.
• Imperialism and Racism During the Colonial Period This analysis of primary sources aims to demonstrate how various historical actors interpreted imperialism during different periods.
• Imperialism in the Context of World History Several civilizations, mainly European nations, championed imperialism. It allowed civilized nations to dominate and exploit vulnerable countries across the globe.
• American Imperialism and Its Effects Despite the moral ambiguity, American imperialism has played a vital part in forming the superpower nation it is today.
• Imperialism During the 19th Century in the US In the 19th century, the concepts of imperialism spread among the American people and shaped the fundamental principles of foreign and domestic policies for the next decades.
• Imperialism Consequences on the Life of People The emergence of imperialism was the development of new technologies, and an increase in the population, which led to a rise in taxation and a ban on the import of products.
• Reconstruction and the Age of American Imperialism After the Civil War, the nineteenth century was a challenging time for the country that tried to shape its political, economic, and social life.
• European Imperialism and Its Effects on Colonies The effects of European imperialism have been truly devastating, causing multiple smaller ethnic communities to deteriorate, as well as sending ripples through centuries.
• European Imperialism and Global Economic Situation European imperialism is a crucial moment in history, as it has markedly influenced the current global economic situation, the current way of life, and the views of the people.
• U.S. History: Reconstruction, American Imperialism, Immigration This paper discusses defined episodes of the history of the United States: Reconstruction, the Yellow Peril Movement, American imperialism, immigration and immigration laws.
• Teju Cole’s: Colonialism and Imperialism Ideologies An African-American writer Mr. Cole reveals factors emanate from the western cultural ideology that is rigid with colonialism and imperialism phenomenon.
• Sir Frederick Lugard’s Arguments for Imperialism The article examines the arguments by which Sir Frederick Lugard tried to justify the territorial expansion of Great Britain.
• The History of American Imperialism At the beginning of the 1890s, the United States rapidly started to be interested in the imperialistic experiences of the European countries.
• European Supremacy, European Thought, and Imperialism Kagan et al. divided an expansion of European imperialism into several periods. The first period has finished by the end of the seventeenth century.
• America and the Great War, Nationalism, Imperialism, and Militarism The USA did not become a member of the League, although the state did cooperate with it; in the mid-1920s, the USA was more concerned with the economy.
• American Imperialism: Negative and Positive Sides American imperialism had negative and positive sides both to the Americans and to the rest of the world. It led to both political and geographical expansion.
• British in Hong Kong and the French in Vietnam: Empire and Imperialism The paper will mainly focus on the British Empire in Hong Kong while drawing comparisons from the French in Vietnam to understand the causal mechanism of the empires’ involvement.
• The History of Imperialism and Exploitation In the modern context of globalization, it would be both incorrect and inappropriate to express that a less developed country or culture is uncivilized.
• Great War: Nationalism, Imperialism, Militarism This paper addresses the role of nationalism, imperialism, and militarism as contributing factors to the start of World War I.
• Industrialization, Legal System, and Imperialism Discussing the relationship between industrialization and imperialism, it is important to note that the development of industries led to promoting the ideals of imperialism.
• Imperialism and Exploitation by Europeans Today in communities that are considered tolerant ones, there are signs of discrimination and inappropriate attitude to some categories of people.
• Imperialism in Nicholson’s and Pilger’s Studies The main feature of imperialism was rapid territorial expansion. The boundaries within which the emperor ruled were much larger than the domestic population.
• Western Imperialism in the Early 20th Century This study discusses the importance of studying history to research, and analyzes the imperialism in the early twentieth century on the West.
• Jules Ferry and the Renaissance of French Imperialism The primary goal of the paper is to understand Jules Ferry’s rationale for the urgency of the colonial expansion while considering offering non-economic arguments in favor of imperialism.
• The Great War Outbreak: Nationalism, Militarism, and Imperialism The First World War was one of the most bloody and large-scale conflicts in human history. It began July 28, 1914, and ended November 11, 1918.
• American Imperialism in the Nineteenth Century The paper reviews reasons for adopting American imperialism, major events during this period and affected countries, and aftermath of anti-imperialism in the 20th century.
• Modern Imperialism and Economic Globalization This paper discusses how does the study of modern imperialism help us to understand why some former colonies fear economic globalization today.
• Modern Imperialism and Former Colonies Modern imperialism has intertwined with economic dominance forcing countries to fear economic globalization in the current century.
• Imperialism and Alaska and Puerto Rico
• Athenian Imperialism and Democracy
• Economic Stages and Anti-imperialism in Theory and Practice
• Japans Imperialism and Militarism
• European Imperialism and Its Effect on India
• Britain and France’s Imperialism and Competition in Egypt
• Ecological Imperialism: The Biological Expansion of Europe
• European Colonialism and Imperialism
• Industrialization and Imperialism 1750-1900
• Anthropology and Economic Imperialism: The Battlefield of Culture
• Libya and Europe: Imperialism, Crisis, and Migration
• Positive and Negative Effects of British Imperialism on India
• Differences Between 16th and 19th Century Imperialism
• How Western and Japanese Imperialism Affected China Happened
• American Imperialism After 1898
• Imperialism and Its Effects on Humanity Creative Writing
• African Societies and European Imperialism’s Effects
• Africa and European Imperialism
• European Imperialism Severe Actions During Their Domination
• Cultural Imperialism and the Olympics
• Difference Between Formal and Informal Imperialism
• Old Imperialism vs. New Imperialism
• Imperialism, Militarism, and Alliances in World War I
• Globalization, Imperialism, and Regulation
• 19th Century American Imperialism
• Imperialism, Fascism, and National Populism
• Japanese War and Japanese Imperialism
• Imperialism and the Human Rights Movement
• American Imperialism During the Civil War
• Racism and Social Darwinism in Regards to Imperialism
• British Imperialism and the Boer War
• Economics Imperialism Versus Multidisciplinarity
• Europeans’ Driving Force Leading To Imperialism of Africa
• Russian Imperialism and the Warsaw Pact
• China and Japan During the Age of Imperialism
• British Imperialism and Its Impact on India
• American Expansionism and Imperialism in the Late Nineteenth
• International Relations and Imperialism
• Imperialism and the Price of Human Life
• Geopolitics, Imperialism & the New World War on Iraq
• British Colonialism and the Impact of British Imperialism
• European Imperialism and Its Effects on the World
• Marxist Theory: Nationalism, Legitimacy, Imperialism
• Imperialism, the Cold War, and Japan’s Occupation During WWII
• Motives for Europe’s Embarkation of Imperialism
• Native Imperialism and Its Implications on Aboriginal
• American Imperialism and the Colonization of the Philippines
• Reasons for the U.S. Turning To Imperialism at the End of the 19th Century
• British Imperialism During the British Colonization of India
• Athenian Imperialism and Her Changing Relations With Allies
• African Women During European Imperialism
• Capitalism and Regressive Imperialism
• Contemporary Imperialism and the Agrarian Question
• British Imperialism and the Crisis in Sudan
• European Imperialism and Africa During the Age of Industry
• Imperialism and Its Human Nature
• American Politics and Imperialism
• European Colonialism, Imperialism, and Cultural Superiority
• Japanese Imperialism: War and Depression
• Identify the Issues Raised by Imperialism in Africa in the 19th Century
• What Issues Were Raised by Imperialism in Africa in the 19th Century?
• How Important Was the Boer War in Changing Attitudes in Britain to Imperialism?
• What Are the Reasons for the European Imperialism in the Late Nineteenth Century?
• What Are the Republican and Federalist Roots of American Imperialism?
• What Are the Similarities Between Imperialism and Post Colonialism?
• What Is the History Behind Lumumba’s Struggle Against Belgian Imperialism?
• How New Imperialism and Western Expansion in Asia and Africa Are Connceted?
• What Is a Structural Theory of Imperialism?
• Does Imperialism Still Exist in the Twenty-First Century?
• How Post Napoleonic Europe’s Rise of Imperialism Can Be Explained?
• What Are The Economic Factors Contributing to American Imperialism of 19th Century?
• What Effect Did Imperialism Have on the Policies and Governance of America?
• Wha Are the Emergence and Impact of Imperialism in Europe in the Early 20th Century?
• Why the Theory of Ancient Economic Imperialism Were So Quickly Forgotten?
• What Are the Pros and Cons of Imperialism in the United States of America?
• What Were the Beginnings of English Imperialism?
• In What Ways Is “The New Imperialism” Really New?
• What Are the Economic Aspects of Spanish Imperialism in America in 1492-1810?
• Why English Is One of the Instruments of Cultural Imperialism?
• What Is the Relationship Between Eastern and Western Imperialism?
• What Are the Three Major Factors That Started the American Imperialism?
• Were Economic Factors Primarily Responsible for British Imperialism?
• What Women Really Want When Women Want Imperialism?
• How Did Imperialism Affect Hong Kong’s Globalization?
• Was the Mexican War an Exercise in American Imperialism?
• Why Was Imperialism Effective Against Other Political Philosophies?
• Where Does Imperialism Help the Country to Grow Stronger and Be Better?

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These essay examples and topics on Imperialism were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 8, 2024 .

Essay on Imperialism

Students are often asked to write an essay on Imperialism in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Imperialism

What is imperialism.

Imperialism is when a country takes control over other lands, countries, or territories. It uses its power to take over and make those places part of its own country. This can happen through war, politics, or business.

History of Imperialism

Long ago, European countries like Britain, France, and Spain took over many parts of the world. They did this to get more resources, like gold and spices, and to have more power. This changed the lives of many people in those places.

Effects of Imperialism

Imperialism often changed the cultures and governments of the taken-over lands. The local people might lose their traditions and be forced to follow new rules. It also led to conflicts and wars.

Imperialism Today

Nowadays, imperialism is less about taking over lands and more about influence. Big countries might use money, business, or media to control smaller countries without fighting wars.

250 Words Essay on Imperialism

Imperialism is when a country takes control over other places, making them part of their empire. This usually happens because the stronger country wants to gain more power, wealth, or resources. Think of it like a big fish in the sea that wants to control all the smaller fish.

The Age of Imperialism

The most famous time for imperialism was from the 1800s to the early 1900s. European countries like Britain, France, and Spain took over large parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They did this to get raw materials for their factories and new markets to sell their goods.

Effects on Countries

The places that were taken over were changed a lot. The people living there were often forced to work for the invaders and follow new laws. Their cultures were sometimes pushed aside, and many faced hard lives under foreign rule. On the other hand, some areas did get better schools, hospitals, and roads because of imperialism.

Even though the old empires are gone, some forms of imperialism still exist. Powerful countries can influence or control weaker ones through money, trade, or by giving loans that are hard to pay back. This can lead to the weaker countries depending on the stronger ones, which is a bit like the old empires but without the direct rule.

In short, imperialism has shaped our world in many ways. It has a big history and even today, it affects how countries interact with each other.

500 Words Essay on Imperialism

Reasons behind imperialism.

Countries engage in imperialism for various reasons. One key reason is to get natural resources, like oil or minerals, which they don’t have in their own land. Another reason is to find new markets to sell their products. By controlling other lands, they can make those people buy their goods. Sometimes, a country might also want to show its power and prestige by owning more land.

Types of Imperialism

There are different types of imperialism. Colonies are one type, where the controlling country sends its own people to live and rule in the new land. Another type is protectorates, where the local rulers stay in charge, but they follow the advice of the foreign power. There’s also spheres of influence, where the imperialist country has special rights for trade and investment.

Effects on the Controlled Regions

Resistance to imperialism.

Not everyone agrees with imperialism. The people in the controlled regions often don’t like being ruled by outsiders. They can lose their independence and culture. Many times, they fight back. This can lead to wars and conflicts. Even in the controlling countries, some people think imperialism is wrong because it treats other people unfairly.

The End of Imperialism

After a long time, many countries that were controlled by empires became independent. This happened a lot after World War II. Countries fought for and won their freedom. Today, imperialism is not as common as it used to be. The world now sees that controlling other nations by force is not a good way to behave.

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Imperialism

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Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism

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Discussion Questions

According to Lenin, what are the key differences between early capitalism and late-stage capitalism?

How does imperialism spring from capitalism? Why does Lenin believe imperialism to be the intrinsic final end of capitalism , regardless of the intentions of those with power and influence?

In Lenin’s view, how are capitalism and colonialism associated with one another? How do colonialism and the exploitation of developing countries further capitalist ends?

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By Vladimir Lenin

The State and Revolution

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Imperialism is the state policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion, especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control of other territories and peoples. Because it always involves the use of power, whether military or economic or some subtler form, imperialism has often been considered morally reprehensible. Examples from history include Greek imperialism under Alexander the Great and Italian imperialism under Benito Mussolini .

Today the term imperialism is commonly used in international propaganda to denounce and discredit an opponent’s  foreign policy . International organizations, including the United Nations, attempt to maintain peace using measures such as collective security arrangements and aid to developing countries. However, critics say imperialism exists today; for example, many in the Middle East saw the U.S. -led Iraq War as a new brand of anti-Arab and anti-Islamic imperialism.

Following the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, European nations sought to extend their economic and political power overseas, especially in Africa, in a period dubbed “the New Imperialism .” This competition led European elites and the broad literate classes to believe that the old European  balance of power  was over and a new world order was dawning. Some scholars argue that this process intensified imperial rivalries and helped provoke World War I .

imperialism , state policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion, especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control of other areas. Because it always involves the use of power, whether military or economic or some subtler form, imperialism has often been considered morally reprehensible, and the term is frequently employed in international propaganda to denounce and discredit an opponent’s foreign policy .

Imperialism in ancient times is clear in the history of China and in the history of western Asia and the Mediterranean—an unending succession of empires. The tyrannical empire of the Assyrians was replaced (6th–4th century bce ) by that of the Persians , in strong contrast to the Assyrian in its liberal treatment of subjected peoples, assuring it long duration. It eventually gave way to the imperialism of Greece . When Greek imperialism reached an apex under Alexander the Great (356–323 bce ), a union of the eastern Mediterranean with western Asia was achieved. But the cosmopolis, in which all citizens of the world would live harmoniously together in equality, remained a dream of Alexander. It was partially realized when the Romans built their empire from Britain to Egypt .

This idea of empire as a unifying force was never again realized after the fall of Rome. The nations arising from the ashes of the Roman Empire in Europe, and in Asia on the common basis of Islamic civilization ( see Islamic world ), pursued their individual imperialist policies. Imperialism became a divisive force among the peoples of the world.

Three periods in the modern era witnessed the creation of vast empires, primarily colonial. Between the 15th century and the middle of the 18th, England, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain built empires in the Americas, India , and the East Indies . For almost a century thereafter, relative calm in empire building reigned as the result of a strong reaction against imperialism. Then the decades between the middle of the 19th century and World War I (1914–18) were again characterized by intense imperialistic policies.

Russia , Italy, Germany, the United States , and Japan were added as newcomers among the imperialistic states, and indirect, especially financial, control became a preferred form of imperialism. For a decade after World War I the great expectations for a better world inspired by the League of Nations put the problem of imperialism once more in abeyance . Then Japan renewed its empire building with an attack in 1931 upon China. Under the leadership of Japan and the totalitarian states—Italy under the Fascist Party , Nazi Germany, and the Soviet Union —a new period of imperialism was inaugurated in the 1930s and ’40s.

In their modern form, arguments about the causes and value of imperialism can be classified into four main groups. The first group contains economic arguments and often turn around the question of whether or not imperialism pays. Those who argue that it does point to the human and material resources and the outlets for goods, investment capital, and surplus population provided by an empire. Their opponents—among them Adam Smith , David Ricardo , and J.A. Hobson—often assert that imperialism may benefit a small favoured group but never the nation as a whole. Marxist theoreticians interpret imperialism as a late stage of capitalism wherein the national capitalist economy has become monopolistic and is forced to conquer outlets for its overproduction and surplus capital in competition with other capitalist states. This was the view held, for instance, by Vladimir Lenin and N.I. Bukharin , for whom capitalism and imperialism were identical. The weakness in their view is that historical evidence does not support it and that it fails to explain precapitalist imperialism and communist imperialism.

A second group of arguments relates imperialism to the nature of human beings and human groups, such as the state . Such different personalities as Machiavelli , Sir Francis Bacon , and Ludwig Gumplowicz , reasoning on different grounds, nevertheless arrived at similar conclusions—which Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini also endorsed , though not for intellectual reasons. Imperialism for them is part of the natural struggle for survival. Those endowed with superior qualities are destined to rule all others.

The third group of arguments has to do with strategy and security. Nations are urged, proponents of this viewpoint say, to obtain bases, strategic materials, buffer states, “natural” frontiers, and control of communication lines for reasons of security or to prevent other states from obtaining them. Those who deny the value of imperialism for these purposes point out that security is not thereby achieved. Expansion of a state’s control over territories and peoples beyond its borders is likely to lead to friction, hence insecurity, because the safety zones and spheres of influence of competing nations are bound to overlap sooner or later. Related to the security argument is the argument that nations are inevitably imperialistic in their natural search for power and prestige .

The fourth group of arguments is based on moral grounds, sometimes with strong missionary implications . Imperialism is excused as the means of liberating peoples from tyrannical rule or of bringing them the blessings of a superior way of life. Imperialism results from a complex of causes in which in varying degrees economic pressures, human aggressiveness and greed, the search for security, the drive for power and prestige, nationalist emotions, humanitarianism, and many other factors are effective. This mixture of motivations makes it difficult to eliminate imperialism but also easy for states considering themselves potential victims to suspect it in policies not intended to be imperialistic. Some states of the developing world have accused the former colonial powers and other nations of neocolonialism . Their fear is that the granting of aid or the supply of skilled personnel for economic and technical development might be an imperialist guise.

Under international organizations , attempts have been made to satisfy by peaceful means the legitimate aspirations of nations and to contain their illegitimate ones. Measures for these purposes have included collective security arrangements, the mandate and the trusteeship system for dependent areas, the stimulation of cultural relations between nations, aid to developing countries, and the improvement of health and welfare everywhere. See also colonialism .

American Imperialism Essay

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Introduction

Criticism of imperialism, outcome of the policy in the twentieth century, reference list.

Imperialism is the establishment of political and economic dominance over other nations. Many nations took part in colonial empires including the U.S. during the nineteenth century. America, on its own, is not supposed to be an empire. It was a rebel colony initially being the first system to dispose British rule.

Imperialism was first practiced in Samoa which motivated the rest of the America. The United States had positive motives when they got involved in the task. Their reason for participation was to control economy and compete with other industrialized nations as well as to maintain their reputation in other countries. Another motive was to obtain a constant market for gainful investments. There was also the religious motivation with the desire to introduce Christianity to foreign and traditional cultures (Streich, 2009, p.1).

Americans viewed imperialism as a way of uplifting the uncivilized people in the world in a moral way. Production was very high and America needed to protect its expanding foreign markets. Hawaii had been dominated by Americans way before the war. America had already started investing in Cuba’s natural resources while Hawaii’s best ports, already under America’s control, was used to access China for efficient trading. The state’s secretary pressured Europeans to stop blocking America’s participation in China’s trade.

America had a war with Spain in 1898 which after its conclusion, America was given the ownership of Cuba, Philippines and Puerto Rico which were previous possessions of Spain. America wanted an efficient and easier access of its navy to the Pacific and the Caribbean oceans.

A negotiation between American officials and Britain confirmed the America’s domination and regulation over the canal. A French canal company official gave Americans a central section of Panama to build the canal. He also gave America rights to take more land or use troops on Panama when necessary.

The Panamanians were to be given their independence only if they accepted the treaty, but they refused to sign it so the Americans took ownership of the canal region (Bella, 2003, p.1). The United States therefore destroyed all European empires after taking over Cuba and Philippines from Spain.

They built a navy ready for European in case they became troublesome or destabilized. In 1939 to 1945, the then American president, Roosevelt, extracted British colonies including the Caribbean and West Africa and in exchange He offered assistance to Britain during war. After years after the World War II, America was already exercising authority and power in Belgian Congo which was previously dominated by Britain, and French Indochina (Selfa, 1999, p.1).

Despite the fact that many Americans believed in overseas expansion, many other Americans opposed the move. They formed the American anti-imperialism league in 1899. However, their campaigns were not successful. The league argued that the imperialism policy was intimidating to personal liberty.

They argued that all human races no matter the color have the right to live and pursue happiness at all times. The group maintained that the government should obtain their rightful powers from the citizen’s consent. They insisted that forced control is criminal assault and lack of devotion to government principles.

The league firmly condemned the national administration in the Philippines and demanded an immediate stop to the discrimination against human liberty. They required Spain to initiate the process since it was one of the first countries to practice imperialism. They had the aim of forming a congress that would officially inform the Philippines of America’s intentions to grant them their rightful independence.

The group also disapproved strongly the American soldiers for being involved in an unjust war. Their arguments were based on the fact that the United States had always detested international laws which allowed forceful control o f the weak by the strong party. The obligation of nation’s citizens to support its government during hazardous moments did not fit applicably for this situation of imperialism (Halsall, 1997, p.1).

An obvious outcome is America now stretches from Atlanta the Pacific. With this entire region where there are no import and export tax barriers, it has been quite easy for America to increase its per capita. However, America was left with the heritage of oppression which is no different from slavery.

However, some positive effects have been felt especially through the Panama Canal that was constructed then which has helped improve the region’s economy. Transportation and communication services were extensively improved. Uncivilized areas got the opportunity of adopting higher livelihood values. The countries that were colonized were affected negatively as well especially in the economic sector where most of the key and productive elements are up to date owned or controlled by foreign economic agencies.

Imperialism can never be a good practice no matter the circumstances. It does not matter whether the imperialistic country has good intentions or not. If any nation at all feels the need to offer help to another country, it should do so in a better way and certainly not by controlling the other depriving them of their freedom and rights. Assistance can be offered as ideas and policies that the country should implement on its own depending on what suits the situation it is faced with.

Bella, R. (2003). Imperialism, American style . Web.

Halsall, P. (1997). American Anti-Imperialist League . Web.

Selfa, L. (1999). U.S. Imperialism: A Century of Slaughter . Web.

Streich, M. (2009). American Imperialism in the 1890s. Web.

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Imperialism Essay | Essay on Imperialism for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by Prasanna

Imperialism Essay:  Imperialism is a policy where a country extends the rule over peoples and other nations by employing hard power, especially military forces for extending political and economic access, power, and control.

Imperialism is a distinct concept while related to colonialism and empire; that can apply to different forms of expansion and government. Even India was ruled as a colony by the British government for years.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long and Short Essays on Imperialism for Students and Kids in English

We provide students with essay samples on a long essay of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on the topic Imperialism for reference.

Long Essay on Imperialism 500 Words in English

Long Essay on Imperialism is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

A policy or an ideology where one extends the rule over peoples and other countries by employing hard power, especially military forces, and soft power to extend political and economic access, power, and control, is called imperialism. Imperialism is a distinct concept while related to the concepts of colonialism and empire.

The Latin word “Imperium” is the origin of the word “Imperialism. Imperium means supreme power, sovereignty, or you can say just “rule.” During the 1870s, imperialism became so common in Great Britain in today’s sense when it was used in a negative connotation. Previously, Napoleon III’s attempts to obtain political support through the foreign military’s interventions were described as imperialism.

This term “Imperialism” is highly used in countries like Japan and Western countries to dominate politics and economy, especially in Asia and Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries. May scholars and researchers have different opinions on the meaning of the word “Imperialism.” Edward Said, a writer, used this term widely to describe any system of domination.

During the beginning of the 1760s, when many developing and industrializing countries from Europe started colonizing, influencing and annexing various other parts of the world, is known as the Age of Imperialism.

There are several theories based on imperialism made by Anglophone academic studies. In the later part of the 18th century, the term “Imperialism” was brought into recognition to England’s present sense by opponents of allegedly aggressive imperial policies of British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Joseph Chamberlin was a supporter of imperialism, and thus he appropriated the concept of it.

Now let’s come to British imperialism in India. If we study our country before in-depth, we will get a better vision of India’s imperialism. India was the most valuable colony by far of the most powerful empire, the British Empire. The East India Company, a small global trading company, grew and grew gradually and later conquered a huge part of South Asia.

In the early 1600s, when small European ships landed first on South Asia’s shores in search of spices, they encountered merchants of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Empire was a far larger and more powerful kingdom than all other countries in Europe at that time. Mughal emperors often shared power with India’s regional leaders at that time to rule this diverse and rich country.

The British came to India to use their land and products for business to make a profit. But, many conflicts were caused due to the numerous economic and ethical issues. The East India Company won its first battle against Nawab Siraj-Ud-Doula and gradually owned the whole of India. The British Empire imperialized India until 1947.

Imperialism in India is a very important topic as it is very important to understand every country’s culture. British people never looked at India as a culture. They took advantage of India for its benefits. India was the colony of the British Empire for about two hundred years.

Short Essay on Imperialism 150 Words in English

Short Essay on Imperialism is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

“Imperialism” came from the Latin word “Imperium,” which means supreme power, sovereignty. This term “Imperialism” is highly used in countries like Japan and Western countries to dominate politics and economy, especially in Asia and Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries.

There are several theories based on imperialism made by Anglophone academic studies. In the ending years of the 18th century, the term “Imperialism” was introduced to England in its present sense by opponents of allegedly aggressive imperial policies of British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Joseph Chamberlin was a supporter of imperialism, and thus he appropriated the concept.

10 Lines on Imperialism Essay in English

1. The Latin word “Imperium” is the origin of the word “Imperialism.” 2. During the 1870s, imperialism became so common in Great Britain in today’s sense when it was used in a negative connotation. 3. Edward Said, a writer, used the term “Imperialism” widely to describe any system of domination. 4. The term “Imperialism” was introduced to England in its present sense by British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. 5. Joseph Chamberlin was a supporter of imperialism, and thus he appropriated the concept. 6. The East India Company, a small global trading company, grew and grew gradually and later conquered a huge part of South Asia. 7. The Mughal Empire was a far larger and more powerful kingdom than all other countries in Europe at that time. 8. Mughal emperors often shared power with India’s regional leaders at that time to rule this diverse and rich country. 9. The British came to India to use their land and products for business to make a profit. 10. India was the colony of the British Empire for about two hundred years.

FAQ’s on Imperialism Essay

Question 1. What is Imperialism?

Answer: Imperialism is a policy where a country extends the rule over peoples and other countries by employing hard power, especially military forces for extending political and economic access, power, and control.

Question 2.  What is the source of the word “Imperialism”?

Answer: Latin word “Imperium” is the origin of the word “Imperialism.”

Question 3.  What is the East India Company?

Answer: The East India Company was a small trading company.

Question 4.  Why did the British come to India?

Answer: The British came to India with the thoughts of using their land and products for business to make a profit.

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