Causes of Imperialism The acceleration of Imperialism during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries that greatly impacted the world, is due to multiple economic, political, and social forces. Imperialism, a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, was becoming drastically more and more important for European and Asian countries. Ultimately, the advancements during the Industrial Revolution made Imperialism easier, and on a very large scale for many European countries. Although there were many factors that contributed to Imperialism by ways of economic, political, and social forces, some proved to be more significant and influential than others. Since the beginning of religion, missionaries have attempted to spread religion and their beliefs on others. This is only one of minor reasons of the social aspect of Imperialism. An extremely important part of Imperialism, was to increase the size “of the finest race in the world,” (Doc 4). Cecil Rhodes describes how the more territory the British have, “more of the best, the most human, most honourable race the world possesses,” (Doc. 4). The social aspect of Imperialism was extremely racist, where “White Man’s Burden” was the major reason for Imperialism for some. White Man’s Burden, was attempting to colonize the …show more content…
Imperialism was motivated by, “political ambitions… Nation’s will to power… or glory or national greatness,” (Doc 3). Imperialism for many countries is caused to improve the nation’s overall power. Additionally, according to President Mckinley, the U.S.’s involvement of Imperialism in the Philippines, was due to the fact that, “They were unfit for self-government,”(Doc. 7). The U.S. believed that there was nothing else for them to do, but take them over. Expanding territory, and a country's overall power by imperialism, was the major reason, politically