Entrepreneurs


During the 1500s, British merchants made huge profits from their trade with other nations. Tobacco, sugar, tea, and especially the slave trade between Africa, the Caribbean, and America made many people rich. They were able to invest in these new industries. Raw materials from the colonies added further to their profits. One of the leading entrepreneurs of his time was Cecil Rhodes, who created the colony of Rhodesia (modern Zimbabwe) in Africa. He also was heavily involved in the diamond business in South Africa. In addition, he used his power to manipulate the British government to use the military to further his goals in both South Africa and Rhodesia.

The new class of British merchants and industrialists, or entrepreneurs, explored new ways to make money by taking risks and investing in new ventures.

Rise of the Middle Class


As towns and cities began to grow, they attracted more and more artisans, tradesmen, bankers, entrepreneurs, scholars and merchants. These people, who were fiercely independent, depended on the knowledge of their skills. As a result, they were able to increase their wealth substantially. With increased wealth came increased status and influence. This emerging middle class consisted of people who prided themselves on their ability to use their skills and knowledge to make a profit by one means or another. As these people became more and more powerful economically, they also demanded political power. The middle class formed a significant proportion of people who emigrated to colonies during the height of British imperial expansion.


Charles Fredrick MacKenzie preaching in Africa

Attitudes and Values


The new middle class valued their ability to act freely, which fostered a strong sense of individualism. Many people in Britain believed in the Protestant work ethic, a belief that, according to the teachings of the Bible, hard work resulted in rewards. In addition, they highly valued education, which consequently made it easier for them to welcome innovations, scientific discoveries, and new technologies. This attitude had a great deal to do with the effort many people put into the invention and financial support of new technologies and production. New ideas and technologies along with strong belief in the teaching of the Bible combined to increase the demand for greater globalization to maximize trade and wealth.

 

Industrialization


Industrialization in Britain played an essential role in the growth of globalization. Due to technology, people from Britain were able to move to less-industrialized nations.

Because Britain had vastly improved communication and transportation as well as advanced weapons and a belief in progress and making a profit, they were able to exploit the less-industrialized nations. The British took control of natural resources for further profit making, land for agriculture and living space, and local residents as soldiers, laborers, and slaves.

As the British moved to other lands, they spread their values, beliefs, and ways of living.