Primary Causes Of Imperialism

“Our claim to be left in the unmolested enjoyment of vast and splendid possessions, mainly acquired by violence, largely maintained by force, often seems less reasonable to others than to us” (Darwin). This statement symbolized imperialism among Westerners from the 19th to the early 20th century. As such, this period revealed the extent that several world powers underwent for even greater power and influence. Therefore, the destruction of other societies, the deterioration of their traditions, and the exploitation of their citizens were commodities. The primary causes of imperialism were the social attitude, the economic interest, and the strategic reasoning. Of these causes, the most important was the strategic reasons.
Foremost, one primary

Specifically, the loss of profit with the abolition of slavery alongside the high demands in raw materials in the Industrial Revolution led to “Scramble of Africa” (Colonization). For instance, after Great Britain declared the Lower Niger River Valley a protectorate in 1885, they granted the “National African Company” or a British trading company a royal charter, which secured their monopoly over the palm oil exports (West Africa). This was a win for Great Britain as palm oil was rare in Europe and highly sought-after for its versatile uses in products, such as soap to lubricant for steam engines (Palm Fruit). The economic interest was another primary cause because of the access to rare raw materials there that were also immensely needed in European goods. This was a solution to their high demand yet low supply. Likewise, the British valued India as the brightest “jewel in the crown,” with its massive population of 300 million people. Moreover, Great Britain arranged a system of mercantilism in India and forbade Indian competition with British goods. Ergo, the local handloom textile industry declined, due to the cheaply imported British textiles (British Imperialism). As shown here, colonies not only provided access to popular and rare raw materials, but also greater markets to sell goods. In a similar fashion, the third cause delved into other rivalries between nations and benefits

An example was the usefulness of Hawaii, where supplies and reinforcement were sent to the Americans in the Philippines (Bailey 434). Additionally, the advantage of Hawaii as a detached coaling station was argued, especially if America went to war with Great Britain (James 759). The third primary cause was the strategic reasoning because some places like islands served as the perfect coaling and supply base, where steamships were refueled and dependent on only their country. To boot, it was helpful for the transportation of supplies, which was particularly vital during wartime. Regardless, there was one thing that set this cause apart from the