The Panama Canal is ten miles long and stretches across Central America. It links the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. It expanded global trade by making shortening the sea trade routes from western America to Europe. It also strengthened the relationship between America and many European countries, which led to the development of more political, economic and military influence in these regions compared to other parts of the globe.
The canal also increased the number of industrial imports and exports. Also, it improved regional security by speeding up the movement of the soldiers between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. The canal also opened the interior part of America, making it accessible to other continents. The Spanish government made enormous profits as foreigners who used the canal paid some fees (Duiker & Spielvogel, 2012).
Economic factors greatly contributed to the emergence of imperialism in this region. People had the desire to make more money through the expansion and control of foreign trade in Spain. They wanted to access new markets for their finished goods as well as raw materials for their industries.
The huge Spanish population in this region was a source of cheap labor. The traders also wanted to compete for natural resources and investment in Spain. Moreover, the export of industrial technology and new modes of transport was central in promoting economic growth in the region (Korb & Kraig, 2003).
Political factors also had a profound effect on the emergence of imperialism in this region. The Americans wanted to regain their position as the world’s strongest military and economic force through a naval action. They blamed Spain for the sinking of their ships and wanted to show their military power by invading Spain. They wanted to achieve this objective using manpower from their colonies. However, only the US would boast of this victory by showing off their national pride and security.
Social factors also contributed to the emergence of imperialism. A good example of such factors was the spread of Christianity. Missionaries who faced opposition in foreign lands sought protection from their countries of origin. The US took advantage of this opportunity to suppress Spain. They later exported their social and moral values to the Spanish territories.
The exploration that researchers conducted in different regions also contributed toward the emergence of imperialism in this region. They purposed to analyze natural phenomena, find treatment for diseases and adventure. They also aimed at studying other peoples’ cultures (Korb & Kraig, 2003).
Spain benefited from the colonialism in several ways. For example, the imperialists established schools and developed mines from which the government generated income. Moreover, the colonialists also introduced and developed huge plantations in Spain. They also introduced new crops, tools, and farming methods.
All these new developments led to an increase in agricultural production. Eventually, people’s living standards improved drastically due to good sanitation and medical facilities. In addition, new architectural designs emerged and improved the construction sector. The imperialists used this technology in building new roads and railways, which improved the mobility of people and led to an increase in the rate of development (Duiker & Spielvogel, 2012).
However, the colonizers faced opposition from the Spanish. An uprising against the imperialists emerged and the US lost many of their men. This uprising led to the growth of the Spanish Nationalism. The natives decided to fight back after losing most of their wealth to the imperialists. Nationalism helped them organize their forces and start fighting for their independence. Some Spaniards regarded the spread of Christianity and civilization as the main causes of the rebirth of their nation.
References
Duiker, W., & Spielvogel, J. (2012). The essential world history. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Korb, L., & Kraig, M. (2003). Winning the peace in the 21st century. Muscatine, Iowa: Stanley Foundation.