Colonialism: The Case For Imperialism

The Case for Imperialism

There is little if any doubt that modern society has condemned Imperialism and its various devices. I will gladly concede the fact the past implementations of Imperialism have been, in many ways, terrible with consequences that have wounded humanity deeply. This however does not mean that good things were not present. Or that the side effects were only bad. It is, as in all cases, easy to overlook the good if little or any bad exists. I believe that is the case here.

However I will not lie. The implementations of early imperialism had terrible side affects. Racial superiority combined with industrial greed all served to weaken the image of something that can truly be great. Sure, colonial policy had its flaws,
One must also remember that Britain, and in the beginning Rome, were both democratic nations, therefore such imperial exploits could not have been undertaken without the general consent of the people. Thus such consent would have to be justified, and it was- through a belief in a higher responsibility to others less fortunate than themselves. Effects of imperialism include certain benefits that a ruling nation may provide for territories that form part of its empire. For example, the colonial powers built new communications and transportation systems, established universities, and introduced modern medical
This view of Imperialism has especially been believed by Americans as they themselves were once a victim of it. But let us take a closer look at the Imperialism America so justly fought against. It's the mid to late 18th century and the Seven Years War wages on in Europe between Austria and Prussia, but closer to home the French and Indian War is being fought in America between France and Great Britain. This is the first modern imperialistic war. America, a British colony, cries out for help from her mother country to save her from the French amassing on her borders. After several years of hard fought war the British finally establish a crushing defeat to France and her Indian allies. The war is over and America is safe. But there is a problem. There are now thousands of British soldiers in America and a bankrupt England that cannot afford to ship them back. Britain calls out to her colony for aid, like America called out several years before, to give quarter to the very soldiers that saved them. Britain also raises taxes to help pay for the debt, not only taxes in America, but also in England. Not quite the evil story of British tyranny we have come to know. I shall now pose to you two definitions of Imperialism, the one so often told, and