Imperialism

Quick Facts: Who was Imperialism?

Subject:

Imperialism

Known for:

The extension of rule over foreign nations through expansionism, employing both hard and soft power.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Imperialism is the maintaining and extending of power over foreign nations, particularly through expansionism, employing both hard power (military and economic power) and soft power (diplomatic power and cultural imperialism). Imperialism focuses on establishing or maintaining hegemony and a more formal empire. While related to the concept of colonialism, imperialism is a distinct concept that can apply to other forms of expansion and many forms of government. Kenneth Waltz suggests that the root cause of imperialism is great power. He explains that "[w]here one finds empires, one notices that they are built by those who have organized themselves and exploited their resources most effectively," adding that "[w]eakness invites control; strength tempts one to exercise it, even if only for the 'good' of other people." According to Vladimir Lenin, imperialist wars are inevitable due to uneven development under capitalism.

Career & Major Achievements

The word imperialism is derived from the Latin word imperium, which means 'to command', 'to be sovereign', or 'to rule'. It was coined in the 19th century to describe Napoleon III's attempts to gain political support by invasion. The term was applied to the British Empire during the 1870s; by the 1880s it had acquired a positive connotation in the West. By the end of the 19th century, the term was used to describe the behavior of empires at all times and places. Hannah Arendt and Joseph Schumpeter defined imperialism as expansion for the sake of expansion.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Hobson, and in 1917, Lenin, attempted to redefine imperialism as the "highest stage of capitalism", as firms exported capital to dominate economically rather than territorially. In 1965 Nkrumah went with calling neocolonialism "the last stage of imperialism", linking it to trade, bases, cultural dominance and the IMF. In 1967 Frank claimed that "unequal exchange" (pricing controlled by the empire) itself reproduced empire. In 1978 Edward Said used the term to describe domination and subordination reflecting an imperial core and a periphery. Said wrote that in addition to European governments using imperialism to strengthen their position while weakening indigenous systems of authority, imperialism also refers to the cultural attitudes accompanying this project, often the idea of exerting a "civilizing" or "improving" influence on peoples in the periphery.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1917: 1917 Milestone — Hobson, and in 1917, Lenin, attempted to redefine imperialism as the "highest stage of capitalism", as firms exported capital to dominate economically rather than territorially.
2. 1965: 1965 Milestone — In 1965 Nkrumah went with calling neocolonialism "the last stage of imperialism", linking it to trade, bases, cultural dominance and the IMF.
3. 1967: 1967 Milestone — In 1967 Frank claimed that "unequal exchange" (pricing controlled by the empire) itself reproduced empire.
4. 1978: 1978 Milestone — In 1978 Edward Said used the term to describe domination and subordination reflecting an imperial core and a periphery.

Notable Quotes by Imperialism

“Imperialist wars are inevitable due to uneven development under capitalism.”

“imperialism involved 'the practice, the theory and the attitudes of a dominating metropolitan center ruling a distant territory'”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Imperialism

True or False: “The term 'Age of Imperialism' is universally agreed upon to begin in 1870.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The start date for the Age of Imperialism varies between 1760 and 1870, and some historians argue that using a single date reflects a Eurocentric bias.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Aamir Khan — Historical peer (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Indian actor and filmmaker, known as "Mr. Perfectionist" in Hindi cinema.
• Aaron Kwok — Historical peer (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Hong Kong performer, celebrated singer, dancer, and actor.
• Akshay Kumar — Historical peer (Born in 1967) (1967): Veteran Indian actor and producer, celebrated for action roles and prolific career.
• Albert Luthuli — Historical peer (Died in 1967) (1967): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• Adolf Dassler — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Pioneering German cobbler and inventor who founded the sportswear giant Adidas.
• Aldo Moro — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Italian statesman who served as Prime Minister multiple times, championing the modern Italian centre-left.

Frequently Asked Questions about Imperialism