During The 1800s, Great Empires Arose As Various Powers

During The 1800s Great Empires Sprang Up As Various Powerful Nations

During the 1800s, great empires sprang up as various powerful nations sought to expand and gain control of strategic locations and valuable natural resources. What ideologies drove this age of imperialism? How did powerful nations justify the plunder and exploitation that accompanied the creation of their empires? And how can we grapple with the difficult questions that arise from this time in world history? In this milestone, you will prepare to participate in a debate on imperialism.

To clarify, there will be no actual debate, however, you will need to prepare an opening remark. Follow the instructions below to complete this activity. Submit your materials to the Milestone 3 Assignment. After reviewing this week’s materials, take a position on imperialism. For the purposes of this assignment, you will need to be either pro-imperialism or anti-imperialism .

Note, you must choose at least three examples FOR and three examples AGAINST Imperialism. The best essays will demonstrate a good understanding of both sides of the argument as characterizes a skilled debater. To prepare for a debate, you’ll need to be knowledgeable about both sides of the issue. Download and fill out the Debate Prep Table attached to this assignment. This document will help you to consider both sides of the debate.

Lastly, record an opening remark for your debate. Your opening remark should be between five and eight minutes and should include the following: Introduction – Introduce yourself, capture your audience’s attention, state the issue(s) and provide context or definitions. Body – Present your position and main argument(s) for or against imperialism. Consider at least one counterargument your opponent may introduce and attempt to reduce its impact by preemptively addressing it in order to lessen its impact. Conclusion – Summarize and reiterate your arguments, then ask the viewer to take your position on imperialism.

Submit both your Debate Prep table and a link to your recording to this Assignment. We suggest hosting your video file on Panopto as you might've done in previous assignments.

Paper For Above instruction

Sample Paper on Imperialism in the 1800s

The 19th century, often referred to as the "Age of Imperialism," was marked by the rapid expansion of great empires, driven by a combination of ideological, economic, strategic, and cultural motives. The period saw nations such as Britain, France, Germany, and Belgium extend their dominion over vast territories across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. This expansion was fueled by ideologies like nationalism, racial superiority, and a perceived duty to civilize supposedly "less developed" peoples. Such beliefs justified aggressive acquisition of lands, often leading to exploitation and oppression of indigenous populations.

From a pro-imperialist perspective, these nations justified their actions through the notion of the "civilizing mission," claiming they brought progress, modernization, and Christianity to colonized peoples. Additionally, economic motives such as access to raw materials and new markets were emphasized, alongside strategic interests like controlling vital waterways and military advantage. For instance, Britain’s control of India was justified as a means to maintain global dominance and secure economic interests. Furthermore, imperialism was often presented as a benevolent enterprise aimed at uplifting colonized peoples, despite evidence of violence and exploitation.

Conversely, critics of imperialism highlighted the destructive consequences for native populations, including loss of sovereignty, cultural erasure, and economic dependency. They argued that imperialism was fundamentally exploitative, driven by greed rather than a genuine desire to help. An example includes the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, which redrew African borders without regard for ethnic or cultural boundaries, leading to long-term conflicts. Critics also pointed to the brutality of colonial regimes, forced labor, and resource extraction that impoverished local communities. The anti-imperialist stance questioned the morality of empire-building and its role in perpetuating inequality and violence in the name of civilization.

In constructing a balanced understanding, one must recognize the complex motives and outcomes of imperialism. While it contributed to technological advancement and increased global interconnectedness, it also resulted in lasting scars of oppression and injustice. As modern societies reflect on this history, grappling with questions of ethical responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and the legacy of empire remains crucial. Debates on imperialism continue to influence contemporary discussions on globalization, intervention, and sovereignty, highlighting the importance of critically examining past actions to shape a more equitable future.

References

• Brickhill, J. (2014). The Age of Imperialism: History and Legacy. Oxford University Press.
• Hochschild, Adam. (1998). King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Pagden, Anthony. (2015). The Idea of Europe: The Fin-de-Siècle Illusion. Harvard University Press.
• Quinlan, Christopher. (2017). Imperialism: An Historical Overview. Routledge.
• Shirley, Ralph. (2013). The Ethos of Colonialism. Cambridge University Press.
• Ferguson, Niall. (2003). Empire: The Rise and Demise of the British World Order and the Lessons for Global Power. Basic Books.
• Cooper, Frederick. (2002). Africa Since 1940: The Past of the Present. Cambridge University Press.
• Lugard, Frederick. (1922). The Dual Mandate in British Tropical Africa. Blackwood.
• Young, Robert J.C. (2001). Postcolonialism: An Historical Introduction. Blackwell Publishing.
• Darwin, John. (2009). The Empire Project: The Rise and Fall of the British World Order. Harvard University Press.