3.3.1 Legacies Of Imperialism

How should contemporary society respond to the legacies of historical globalization?


Globalization led to many changes in the political structure in many nations. As you have learned, when the first European settlers arrived in the various nations they colonized, each nation had its own political, economic, and social structures. Societies existed in North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. In some cases, political change meant the colonizing government worked with the existing government to formulate policies favourable to Europeans. In others, it meant establishing an entire government whose task was to rule both the people who already lived there and the immigrants. In areas such as the Americas and parts of Africa, often laws for the settlers were different than laws for Indigenous people.

Imperialist policies have had far-reaching effects on people and nations. Today, we still feel the effect of those policies. Many global and regional conflicts began in imperialism. Imperialist government policies concerning Indigenous people led to their treatment as inferiors and to several negative social conditions today.

As you read through the following pages, think about how the legacies of the past, especially the legacies of historical globalization and imperialism, have led to the condition of our world today. These legacies have caused governments, international organizations, and individuals to respond in many ways.

Reflect


To what extent should contemporary society respond to the legacies of historical globalization?