How did the Industrial Revolution Lead to Imperialism?
The word “imperialism” means a political system that is rich and powerful and is authorised to take control over the countries with low economies and power. Industrialisation initiated in Britain in the 1780s. Industrialisation is the process by which an economy from a primarily agricultural system is changed to one based on the manufacturing of goods.
On this page, we will get to know all about industrialization and imperialism. Also, how did the industrial revolution lead to imperialism along with the interesting facts to describe the effects of new imperialism.
Definitions
As per the Cambridge Dictionary," Industrialization refers to the process of developing industries in a country" whereas "Imperialism refers to a system in which a country rules other countries, sometimes having used force to get power over them."
As per the Merriam Webster," Industrialization refers to the act or process of industrializing : the widespread development of industries in a region, country, culture, etc" whereas "Imperialism refers to the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas".
Relation between Imperialism and Industrialisation
The relationship between industrial revolution and imperialism is that industrialisation helped in starting imperialism in the 19th century. The period of industrial revolution and British imperialism was from 1750 to 1850. The role of imperialism was to maximize the country's profits. These industrialized nations went to find nations in which they could exploit natural resources and affordable labour.
Causes of Industrial Revolution
In 1750 political liberalism, the enlightened age, infrastructure, and the financial climate allowed Great Britain to seek new process possibilities and make the newest enterprise ideas.
In addition, literacy, public training, and the center class was growing immensely. Concepts like partnerships and promoting shares were brought about throughout this time period. The process of the Industrial Revolution was speedy in Western Europe however, through 1900 all of Europe was involved.
Overall, the consequences of the revolution modified the way materials are transported, how products are made, on a global basis. The Industrial Revolution was a crucial turning point in European history due to the fact the changes made are integral in the modern age. The inventions elevated the global market, and solid infrastructure was constructed to assist a strong economy, in addition to a shift in people's socioeconomic status.
Why did Industrial Revolution Lead to Imperialism: History of Europe
Today, Europe and Western Culture dominates most of the sector and economic markets. But how did the sector end up this way? Imperialism is whilst a “stronger” country dominates a “weaker” country whether by military force or through diplomacy. And it's Imperialism that created the sector we recognise today, and it's very crucial to apprehend how our world has developed; even The Japan Times remains tweeting about imperialism today (The Japan Times)! Taking this again one greater step, why were a few nations “stronger” while a few were “weaker”. This may be attributed to industrialization. Industrialization helped fuel the start of imperialism in the nineteenth century.
The age of Imperialism commenced across the late 1800s after the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution was a catalyst to imperialism. The Industrial Revolution created rapid financial growth in addition to large improvements in technology. Because of those new enhancements, the population boom was on the rise, people were living longer, there was mass production of goods, and changes in the distribution of these goods.
The industrial revolution started in Great Britain due to their geographic advantages and able farm animals (Diamond). Soon, industrialization unfolds all through Europe and to the United States. These newly industrialized countries wanted more raw materials to fuel their mass production and population increase.
In order to maximize the nation's profits, these industrialized countries went out to discover countries that they could exploit natural assets and cheap labour from as a result leading to imperialism. By the late nineteenth century, ¼ of earth’s territory was redistributed amongst less than 12 industrialized countries (“Imperialism Stats.”). All of these nations were scrambling to get satisfactory natural assets to fuel their factories, developing populations, and financial growth caused by industrialization.
Looking at the nations that did not industrialize, we see that they were the ones who were taken over by imperialism. Now, let us understand what is the connection between the industrial revolution and imperialism.
Industrial Revolution and Imperialism: Britain
The Industrial Revolution relied on many specific factors; however, an event that led most without delay to it was the Agricultural Revolution because it occurred in Britain. This growth in agricultural efficiency and productivity allowed the population of Britain to nearly double between 1700 and 1800; while concurrently decreasing the number of agricultural workers. This left a surplus of labour that would be usefully hired in mines; constructing roads and canals and operating in factories. And it was these industries that created a market for the form of the technology created by the Industrial Revolution.
In an economy where ~80% of the population is hired to work the land has inadequate resources of labour to exploit natural assets consisting of coal and metal mining. The changes in British agriculture that occurred in the past due seventeenth and early 18th centuries: Crop rotation; the metal-tipped wheel plow; and the enclosure of (inefficient) small fields into larger farms; etc. - substantially modified British labour markets. Without common land on which to raise some sheep or develop subsistence crops - rural workers were available to work in mines and factories.
Increases in agricultural performance had been taking place in some other places in Europe at the same time. But many nations had been racked with wars; with unsure and unreliable criminal systems.
Britain, via its command of the seas - and its experience as an inter-continental trading country had a few significant advantages. Sailing ships and canals were a good deal more efficient at shifting raw materials to factories; and finished items to markets than horse- or ox-drawn wagons. Britain's growing overseas colonies provided ready access to international markets. And its traditions of mercantilism have left it with a category of entrepreneurs and investors with the capital and the know-how to exploit the work of scientists and engineers.
German; French and Italian scientists and engineers were no less successful or innovative than the ones of Britain. But Britain had the advantages of a world-class transport network (cruising ships and canals); a powerful and independent industrial legal system of courts to enforce contracts; and a notably powerful system of finance capitalism.
Effects of New Imperialism
Just like the two sides of a coin, there are positive and negative effects of imperialism, which we will understand one by one:
1. Positive Effects:
Reduced local fighting
Humanitarian efforts, like improved sanitation, build hospitals, and increased education
Economic growth
New technology, like railroads, dams, telephone, and telegraph
2. Negative Effects:
Political and economic power in British hands.
Loss of self-sufficiency
Cash crops - decrease in food production/famine
Threats to traditional Indian life
Restrictions on Indian-owned industries
Second-class status
Facts on Industrialization and Imperialism
The term “industrial revolution” can be traced back to 1799 when it was popularised by an English economic historian Arnold Toynbee, who used it to indicate the economic development of Britain from 1750 to 1830 in lectures he gave that year.
The British empire was the biggest empire by the 20th century. Though Britain sits on the bed of coal, until the 18th century, wood was the primary source of energy in this country.
The first well-known factory was a water-powered cotton spinning mill, which we can see in the image below:
Conclusion
So, this was all about industrialization and imperialism. Now, let us understand the relationship between industrial revolution and imperialism in brief. Imperialism is the political and economic control over a country. For this to happen, a mighty country takes control over the weaker country in order to compress their assets dry. This superior power seizes all the natural resources the other countries possess and utilises them for their profits. The consequence leads to the entire ignorance of the weaker country’s culture and government. Because of the industrial revolution, many nations turn to imperialism to fulfill their needs.
FAQs on Industrialization and Imperialism
1. What exactly are industrialization and imperialism?
Industrialization is the major shift in a country's economy from farming to manufacturing. This process involves using machines, factories, and new technologies to produce goods on a large scale. Imperialism is the policy where a powerful nation extends its rule or authority over other countries, often by creating colonies, to gain economic and political advantages.
2. How did industrialization directly lead to imperialism?
Industrialization was a primary driver for imperialism due to two main needs:
- Need for Raw Materials: Factories in industrial nations required vast amounts of raw materials like cotton, rubber, and metals, which were often found in other parts of the world.
- Need for New Markets: These factories produced more goods than their home countries could buy. Imperial powers needed new populations to sell their manufactured products to.
Controlling other territories through imperialism provided a guaranteed source of raw materials and a captive market for finished goods.
3. What were the main effects of imperialism on the colonised nations?
The effects of imperialism on colonised regions were profound and long-lasting. Key impacts include:
- Economic Exploitation: Local economies were often restructured to serve the interests of the coloniser, focusing on exporting raw materials and cash crops rather than local needs.
- Political Subjugation: Indigenous rulers lost power, and entire regions were brought under foreign control.
- Cultural Changes: The introduction of Western languages, religion (like Christianity), and education systems often suppressed local traditions and cultures.
- Infrastructure Development: Colonisers built infrastructure like railways and ports, but primarily to transport resources out of the colony more efficiently.
4. What is the key difference between imperialism and colonialism?
While often used together, they have distinct meanings. Imperialism is the broader idea or policy of a country extending its power and influence. Colonialism is the specific practice of establishing physical control over a foreign territory, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. In short, colonialism is a direct form of imperialism, but a country can exert imperial influence through economic or political pressure without formally establishing a colony.
5. Which country was the first to industrialise?
Great Britain is considered the first country to undergo the Industrial Revolution, starting in the late 18th century. Its advancements in textile machinery, steam power, and iron production gave it a significant head start. Other nations like Germany, France, the United States, and Japan followed, becoming major industrial powers in the 19th century.
6. Besides economic gain, what were other motivations for imperialism?
While economic motives were central, other factors also fuelled the age of imperialism:
- Nationalism: Having a large empire was a symbol of national pride, prestige, and power. European nations competed fiercely to acquire more colonies than their rivals.
- Strategic Advantage: Colonies provided strategic military and naval bases around the world, securing trade routes and global influence.
- Cultural Beliefs: Some imperialists justified their actions with a belief in their own cultural or racial superiority, arguing they had a duty to 'civilise' other parts of the world.
7. Can you give a clear example of imperialism driven by industrial needs?
A classic example is British rule in India. British factories needed vast amounts of raw cotton for their textile mills. They encouraged Indian farmers to grow cotton, which was then shipped to Britain. The finished cloth was then transported back and sold in the Indian market, often at prices that destroyed India's traditional handloom industry. This perfectly illustrates using a colony for both raw materials and as a market for manufactured goods.
