Political/Economic Imperialism

Political Imperialism

Political imperialism describes the building of an empire by military force. At the most basic level, one country attacks another, takes control of the government, and governs the people who live there. Some empires, such as the Roman Empire, became huge through conquest and extremely wealthy as a result of their conquests.

A less extreme example is where one country conquers another, but still allows it to govern itself, or the conquered nation retains its own independence, but must pay taxes or give resources to the controlling nation. The Mongols, a primarily nomadic culture, often employed this form of imperialism. They had their conquest submit homage and left the people alone to govern themselves. Colonialism is a form of political imperialism in which the mother country establishes a colony and then governs and protects it.

Complete the political imperialism section of Assignment 2.3: Forms and Motives of Imperialism.

Economic Imperialism

Economic imperialism occurs when a wealthy nation gains economic control over a poorer nation. This can happen in several ways: loaning money, setting up factories, and investing in the economy of the poorer nation. The poorer nation is then under the control of the richer country. Many developing nations are examples of this type of economic imperialism. Historical examples include the early relationship of Great Britain with the rulers of the small states in India. More modern examples of this occurred during the Cold War period of the 20th century where powerful nations such as the United States and USSR (Russia) used economic control of nations to extend their control of world markets. This kind of control can be as powerful as political control because the poorer nation must follow the demands of the richer nation.

Complete the economic imperialism section of Assignment 2.3: Forms and Motives of Imperialism.