In the late nineteenth century, Western European powers pursued a policy of imperialism that later became “New Imperialism”. The main driving forces behind New Imperialism were economics, military presence, and politics. In terms of economics, the second Industrial Revolution paved the way for European Imperialism; the Europeans needed to expand their markets to profit globally. In terms of military presence, the European powers believed that colonies were vital to national security. Politically, the great powers of Europe— Britain, France, Germany, and Russia—supported imperialism largely because the possession of colonies indicated prestige and honor; colonies were seen as status symbols within the international community. This ideology made Germany bitter as they began to see colonies as an economic and patriotic necessity. …show more content…
All the other civilized nations of Europe have outposts beyond our continent where their language and customs can take firm root and flourish. As soon as the German emigrant has left the borders of the Reich behind him, he is a stranger on foreign territory” . In the German Colonization Manifesto, Germany pleas for the European Powers to recognize the degrading of German nationalism and the disadvantage of their economy due to Germany’s lack of colonies. Germany is insecure about its public image because external forces easily influence its politics. The evidence provided above, illustrates Germany’s built up internal vendetta against other European powers over the Scramble for Africa. The German state believes it is entitled to land in Africa for the establishment of German colonies; this belief of entitlement thus leads to the conflict of World War