the influences of imperialism and colonization on …...the influences of imperialism and...
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The influences of Imperialism and Colonization on Joseph Conrad's novella
Heart of DarknessMrs. Loux
AP Literature and Composition PHS 2013-2014
ImperialismDefinition: Imperialism is the extension of one nation’s
power over other lands. !
• European imperialism existed before the 1880’s, but the 1880’s saw a great scramble for land.
• Some claim that the “new” imperialism was more rapid and more dominating.
Causes of Modern Imperialism
1. Economic
2. Political
3. Religious/Philosophical
4. Humanitarian
Economic Motives Nations needed raw materials and market.
Why?
Scarcity! Limited Resources
Industrial Revolution – reliance on the production of machine made goods
Free Market (capitalism) system gave wealthy nations an advantage especially Great Britain
Wealthy nations created colonies
Political Motives!
• Spheres of influence • Area or region of control • Nationalism – pride in one’s nation increased the desire for gaining wealth for that nation by any means necessary
Religious/Philosophical Motives
Religious values – missionary spirit
Duty to spread Christianity
Social Darwinism – applying Charles Darwin’s theories to social and global relations.
“Competition”
“Survival of the Fittest”
However, Darwin believed that violence was uncivilized.
Humanitarian MotivesEducation (sometimes)
Medicine
Culture - Civilization
“We happen to be the best people in the world, with the highest ideals of decency and justice and liberty and peace, and the more of the world that we inhabit the better.” - Cecil Rhodes
Effects of ImperialismColonization – European control of land and peoples in Africa, Asia and Latin America cause conflicts between tribes, classes
Economic disparity – Europeans reliance on cash-crops and control of trade in colonies cause unequal levels of wealth between the imperialists and the colonists
Christendom – Christianity spreads around the globe
What were the negative effects of imperialism?
Africa lost control of land & independence
Many died due to disease & resistance
Famines due to cash/single crop emphasis
Breakdown of African culture & families
African wealth & resources looted
Division of continent into unnatural, artificial boundaries
What were the positive effects of imperialism?
Reduction of warfare amongst tribes
Improved sanitation & education
Lifespan & literacy rates increased
Infrastructure built (roads, railroads, telephone/telegraph lines)
Economic expansion of African goods
IMPORTANT: The above benefitted European interests more than Africans
!
After his journey down the African Congo, author Joseph Conrad recalls what he has seen as:
!
“The vilest scramble for loot that ever disfigured the history of human conscience.”
!
—Joseph Conrad.