Written Report on Geography 2(Human Geography)
Group 4:Historical Geography
3.What are the world's pattern of imperialism?
Although the Industrial Revolution and nationalism shaped European society in the 19th century,
imperialism — the domination by one country or people over another group of people —
dramatically changed the world during the latter half of that century.
Imperialism did not begin in the 19th century. From the 16th to the early 19th century, an era
dominated by what is now termed old imperialism, European nations sought trade routes with the
Far East, explored the New World, and established settlements in North and South America, as
well as in Southeast Asia. They set up trading posts and gained footholds on the coast of Africa
and China, and worked closely with the local rulers to ensure the protection of European
economic interests. Their influence, however, was limited.
In the Age of New Imperialism that began in the 1870s, European states established vast empires
mainly in Africa, but also in Asia and the Middle East. Unlike the 16th- and 17th-century method
of establishing settlements, the new imperialists set up the administration of the native areas for
the benefit of the colonial power. European nations pursued an aggressive expansion policy that
was motivated by economic needs that were created by the Industrial Revolution. The expansion
policy was also motivated by political needs that associated empire building with national
greatness, and social and religious reasons that promoted the superiority of Western society over
a backward society. Through the use of direct military force, economic spheres of influence, and
annexation, European countries dominated the continents of Africa and Asia. By 1914, Great
Britain controlled the largest number of colonies and the phrase “the sun never sets on the British
Empire” described its vast holdings. Imperialism had consequences that affected the colonial
nations, Europe, and the world. It also led to increased competition among nations and to
conflicts that would disturb the peace of the world in 1914.
Reference:
(n.d.). How did imperialism spread around the world? Cliff Notes. Retrieved August 24, 2023,
from https://www.cliffsnotes.com/cliffsnotes/subjects/history/how-did-imperialism-spread-
around-the-world
