Colonism and Colonizing Nations - Essay Example

The control of the colonizing country applies can be the use of power or economic superiority and this is known as imperialism.

Colonism always takes place because the colonizing nation feels that it can exploit various benefits outside of the colonial territory. E-g British Empire in the 1800s took control of the Indian Subcontinent via colonism because of the world-famous spices that India was producing and because of their famous silk cloth. If they would have not done this, India would have become a richer and much more powerful state than the British themselves. So, Britishers exploited India by taking these resources under their control and then exporting them to other parts of the world earning huge amounts. Similarly, all other colonies we formed because the colonizing nation felt the gains they could exploit by setting up their bases in those areas. Whether these gains be economic, political, social or whatever they are, all colonies were formed because of the incentive that was present there for the colonizing nations.

There are various economic incentives behind colonism and these are :
• As discussed above, to exploit the valuable resources of a nation without having to pay for it.
• To use cheap labor of the country to maximize efficiency and gain. For e-g, Indian soldiers were not only used to protect India but during World War 2, the Britishers sent them to the war front representing The British Empire.

• As discussed in the above point, to use the labor resources of the country that is being taken over. This is done by using resources and paying little to them for the purpose they are serving.

• To create a link with countries that border the colonized nation. For e-g When the Britishers took over the Indian sub-continent, they created links with Afghanistan and China. Through these links, they were able to create their influence in Afghanistan and were near colonizing Afghanistan too.
• To develop trade links with neighboring countries and increase foreign trade with them this will earn revenue.

• To use the natural resources of the colonized countries. For some countries are better suited for agriculture than others. Some are richer in natural resources such as oil. By having these countries under your banner, you own their resources as well. Hence, colonism leads to the free use of such resources.
• By using the infrastructural links that a colony has with its neighboring countries it can use these infrastructural facilities for its purposes. For e-g Indian Subcontinent had good road networks with Afghanistan. Now whenever Britain wanted to export anything to Afghanistan, instead of using expensive ports and port taxes and other duties, they simply used these road networks as a means to have their goods delivered to Afghanistan.

• Apart from natural resources, the skills and aptitudes of the local population will be exploited by the colonizing nation.
In the end, one can say that this colonism reaps a lot of benefits for the colonizing country. These can be political, social, or economic. From an ethical point of view, colonism is never justified. But the wealth that it brings to the colonizing nation is enormous and also the economic incentives are massive. So, these countries never look at the ethical point of view but work towards their interest which everyone in the world has the right to do. Read More