Purpose of Colonization and Imperialism

The nineteenth century was characterized by heightened immigration, the utilization of new technology, and the rise of imperialism. By this time, Northern American, Japanese, and European superpowers adopted a new mission of expansion and forced rule over less-developed populations. This expansion seemed in practicality, to be driven by a philosophy of mercantilism and the idea that the cultures would further increase their economic standings by gaining raw materials and new markets for their goods. Nonetheless, as their influence increased, colonization and imperialism took on an additional, less profit-based standpoint, morphing into a competition between the reigning powers of the world in a race to proclaim dominance.

The exact purpose of imperialism, nevertheless, is hard to pinpoint, as the practice took on a different meaning for each specific nation that decided to engage in it. Intellectuals have long debated the theories behind imperialistic expansion, with conservative to liberal ideas proposed without a clear verdict reached. Intellectuals such as Hans Morgenthau and Benjamin Cohen have argued that the basis of imperialism is to decrease the strategic and political vulnerability of a nation. On the other hand, however, social-psychological theories circulate as well, from theorists such as Joseph Schumpeter. He rationalizes that imperialism is merely expansion without a purpose that nations learn from the actions of other nations. He concludes that this behavior then becomes institutionalized as a way to show authority. All in all, it seems that the motivation behind becoming involved in various poor locations was so that the dominant nations could showcase their wealth and capability as world powers.

Another much-discussed drive for U.S. imperialism was Manifest Destiny, popularized by Democrats in the United States in the nineteenth century. This belief stated that Americans were destined, by the will of Heaven, to expand across the continent and gradually the world. In this scenario, liberals cited divine intervention as the reasoning behind colonization and imperialism, providing yet more reasoning for expansion.

In any case, imperialism has come to dominate many corners of the world, for better or for worse because of wealthy nations drive to utilize resources and more vainly, display their supremacy.