Many events and different actions caused the “new imperialism” in the late 19th century. The world required changes as developing it required more and more and the old system did not have any opportunities to satisfy the new needs of the countries. Economic, social, technological, and intellectual factors played a great role. The need for new markets and raw materials, missionary work, new military conflicts, and new ideology were the main reasons for the new imperialism.
The countries needed new markets for goods. Additionally, a great many revolutions that ended in Europe caused the need for search new sources of raw materials and men’s power. Colonial countries were too poor to purchase European goods. Additionally, new materials were found in Congo, South Africa, Niger, China and Ceylon, India, and Indonesia. Missionary work based on the spread of Christianity is considered as the cause for new imperialism because of the religious revivalism in the 19th century in Europe.
The tension between such countries as Britain and France was also important as new imperialism gave a push for development which was important in the leading in a wart conflict. It is necessary to remember the social role in the process of imperialism. Social Darwinism as one of the teachings encouraged people for changes. Herbert Spencer and Rudyard Kipling were the most famous ideologists of that time who applied their ideas to people. Moreover, the grooving population also required changes (Moore, 2009).
Therefore, it may be concluded that new imperialism was provoked by the changes and moods in the society created by the necessity for development. Political, social, and economical reasons are important as they are the basis for the changes and new imperialism was not an exception.
Reference List
Moore, M. (2009). Kaplan AP European History 2009. New York: Kaplan Publishing.