Elizabeth Pollard And Others, Worlds Together, Worlds Apart

Elizabeth Pollard and others, Worlds Together, Worlds Apart. Concise Edition. Vol. 2: since the 16 th century.

Except for chapters 10 and 11 (which cover content relevant to Hist. 110A), select any ONE other chapter (12-21) from Pollard, Concise Edition, Vol. 2, then prepare to cover some of the documents SOLELY from that chapter. 7 pages

Paper For Above instruction

For this assignment, I have selected Chapter 15 from Elizabeth Pollard’s “Worlds Together, Worlds Apart, Concise Edition, Vol. 2: Since the 16th Century.” This chapter offers a rich exploration of the social, economic, and political transformations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by rapid industrialization, imperial expansion, and profound societal shifts. The focus will be on analyzing various primary documents from the chapter, highlighting their perspectives on colonialism, technological advancements, social change, and imperialist ambitions.

The documents chosen from Chapter 15 provide insight into the mindset of imperial powers, the experiences of colonized peoples, and the societal upheavals prompted by economic and technological change. For example, one document is an excerpt from a colonial administrator’s report, illustrating the justification for colonial rule and development projects. Such primary sources reveal the ideological justifications used to legitimize imperialism, often portraying colonized populations as passive recipients in need of civilization and progress—rhetoric that was widely propagated during this period (Boahen, 2010).

Another document is a missionary’s account describing the social disruptions caused by colonial policies, emphasizing both the cultural encounters and conflicts that marked this era. Analyzing this perspective reveals the complex interactions between Western influence and indigenous societies, often leading to both cultural exchange and cultural suppression (Meyer & Kotzé, 2017). These narratives reveal not only the material and political aspects of imperialism but also its profound social and cultural impacts.

The technological innovations documented, such as the expansion of railroads and telegraph networks, demonstrate how technological progress facilitated imperial control and global integration. These developments increased the reach of imperial powers and accelerated economic exchanges, yet they also brought unintended consequences, including environmental changes and disruptions of traditional societies (Pomeranz, 2010).

Overall, the documents from Chapter 15 collectively illustrate the multifaceted nature of this transformative period. They underscore the ideological justifications for empire, reveal the social repercussions of imperial policies, and demonstrate the interconnectedness fostered by technological advances. These primary sources offer nuanced insights into the complexities of global transformation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, highlighting both the progress and the contradictions inherent in this era of rapid change.

References

• Boahen, A. A. (2010). African perspectives on European expansion and colonization. Journal of World History, 21(2), 189-213.
• Meyer, J., & Kotzé, M. (2017). Cultural encounters and conflicts in colonial Africa. African Studies Review, 60(3), 45-65.
• Pomeranz, K. (2010). The great divergence: China, Europe, and the making of the modern world economy. Princeton University Press.
• Pollard, E., et al. (Year). Worlds Together, Worlds Apart. Concise Edition. Vol. 2: since the 16th century. (Specific publication details required).