Imperialism
Topic: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe · NCERT: Class 10, Ch 1 "The Rise of Nationalism in Europe"; Class 10, Ch 3 "The Making of a Global World"
Meaning
Imperialism is a policy in which a powerful country increases its power by taking colonies and ruling or controlling other peoples. In 19th-century Europe, nationalism began as a liberal and democratic idea. After 1871, it turned into a narrow, aggressive creed that joined hands with imperialism. Great powers competed for colonies, trade and military strength. They also used the nationalism of subject peoples for their own aims. This rivalry led Europe to disaster in 1914. Colonised peoples in turn built anti-imperial national movements.
Example
Russia, Germany, England and Austria-Hungary competed for control in the Balkans before 1914. A British map of the empire showed Britannia sitting on top of the globe, proud of ruling other lands.
Don't confuse with
- Nationalism: this is a people's feeling of belonging to one nation and their wish for their own state. Imperialism is one nation ruling others.
Related concepts
- Balkan problem
- Ottoman Empire
- Sick man of Europe
- Eastern Question
- Crimean War
- Congress of Berlin 1878
- Pan-Slavism
- Austria-Hungary
- Young Turks
- Balkan Wars 1912-1913