What Are The Pros And Cons Of Imperialism

The “Industrial Revolution marks a human response to that dilemma as renewable fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas replaced the endlessly renewable energy sources of wind, water, wood, and the muscle power of people and animals” (Ways of the World, p. 614). During this period, economic and social changes were tied to new innovations, which led to a spike in manufacturing, special purpose machinery, and factories. It was, undoubtedly, “a breakthrough of unprecedented proportions that made available for human use, at least temporarily, immensely greater quantities of energy” (Ways of the World, p. 614). It had begun in Europe due to specific advantages. Because of this immense lead, innovations had skyrocketed and industrialism was prospering. Though, not all was what it seemed. Women suffered greatly during this period. They were mistreated and paid nearly nothing. The Industrial Revolution had left a bitter taste in plenty of mouths,

The nations that wanted to utilize this tactic and create an empire was Italy, Germany, France, Britain, Belgium, Portugal, Russia and the United States of America. “Imperialism, in short, appealed on economic and social grounds to the wealthy or ambitious, seemed politically and strategically necessary in the game of international power politics, and was emotionally satisfying to almost everyone” (Ways of the World, p. 656). Though, the United States did not always accept the idea of imperialism. In the White Man’s Burden, the author begins the stanza with “Take up the White Man’s burden – Send forth the best yee breed – Go bind your sons to exile – To serve your captives needs”. He wants the reader (or, in this case, the United States) to help out with the “white man’s burden” and to only send its best. Eventually, the US caved. Soon enough, imperialism was taking over and blanketing most of