Colonialism and imperialism - Assignment Example

Colonialism is one the most critical aspects that is widely discussed and debated among historians even in the modern century. Colonialism is in essence snatching and taking control over other communities that are either inferior or unable to defend them due to lack of power. Colonialism occurs when a nation decides to expand its horizons and was dominated by European nations, who were thirsty to exploit and accumulate natural resources to solidify their nation’s economic wealth. There were two models of colonialism from the European colonialism.

The Dutch/Scottish Model were Calvinists, who believed in a God-given mission to colonize. They firmly believed that inferior races were not intelligent enough to advance as society. Since these so-called “inferior races” lacked intellect and were engaged in barbarity, it was deemed necessary to separate and categorize races. A different perspective of colonialism was founded upon the English and the Spanish model. The belief was not to segregate per say, but to convert all humans to be Catholics or Anglicans.

The emphasis was based upon assimilation of white traditions rather than implementing economic models in the colonies. Although that was a motive for this model, it was clear that the English and Spaniards were clearly interested in the natural resources that colonies possessed. Modern colonialism can be dated as far the as fifteen-century when the Portugal Empire was in the quest to explore other land. The Portuguese and Spaniards were no doubt interest to establish their kingdoms overseas in their quest to become imperialistic leaders.

Africa seemed a logical place to begin as the American regions were taken by Dutch and British. The British had supreme command of the seas and were being efficient and productive with the technological advances that became catalyst to the industrial age. Mercantile colonialism can be categorized in two distinct eras. The first era began around 1415 in which European countries obtained total control of ports in Africa. Since many obstacles deterred the way of internal colonization, European merchants resided mostly on the outer coast.

This was beneficial as trade of raw materials and goods. This new trading system renovated the indigenous production system as it utilized the natural resources that colonies possess. Moreover, it enabled the Imperialistic countries to violate human rights and enslave the natural population of that particular community. The second era of colonialism initiated during the 1850s. Both Europeans and Americans needed raw resources for the industrial revolution. Both colonies began to “scramble for Africa” was due to many factors.

First and foremost, was due to the fact of the “white man’s burden.” The “white man’s burden” was deemed as an idea that justified colonialism because it the rich wealthy whites had a duty to improve poor whether they liked it or not. Furthermore, the justifications of colonial rule can also be attributed to the fact that people were not ready for representative government, needed imperialistic rule to fulfill their needs. Lastly, Lord Lugard insisted that it was a moral obligation of a nation to expand to new horizons in order to defend and secure their own interests.

Colonialism played a large role in shaping the future. Centuries of colonialism have obliterated Africa and other colonies of their natural resources. Some of the greatest tragedies have occurred from this so-called the “white man’s burden.” Undoubtedly, colonialism gave the world a new point of many discoveries yet one cannot undermine the fact that it completely disregard for life. Works Cited "Colonialism." The College of New Jersey Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2011.