Old imperialism – “Gold, God and Glory”

Global expansion and imperialism in Europe initially began in the fifteenth century. Colonization and expansion of the European countries during this time to 1815 was termed old imperialism. Old imperialists generally steered clear of territorial claims and major players during this time were the Dutch, Portuguese and the Spanish. These imperialist countries were mainly concerned with trade monopoly and channeled their resources into establishing forts and ports essential for promoting trade. Wealth from non-interference trade was the main driving factor. Old imperialists recognized the economic burden in colonization as it could possibly lead to colonial wars and raise taxes, hence harming their economic interest. Therefore, old imperialists established themselves as crown enterprises which colonizes by means of treaties and alliances which prevente

contented to operate along the coastline. They became more ambitious and took further steps to take the entire colony as hinterland or as protectorates. Europeans imperialists found it more profitable and advantageous to conquer the colonies rather than to trade since raw materials were free and they can offset the administrative and maintenance cost of owning territories by collecting tributes and protection money.

Old imperialism was less intrusive in terms of politics and capitalized on trade and religion only. There were a smaller group of foreign financiers and capitalists who manipulated every area of life and of the nation for their own benefit. Many local groups and institutions were bought and corrupted by the above group into supporting imperialism—the press, the schools, the churches, and the local governors who benefited from indirect rule. Basically, the nation did not have to pay the very heavy costs of imperialism as in new imperialism in the form of wasted resources, higher taxes, lower standards of living, wars and lost lives since there were little territorial claims and territorial responsibilities. Hence, unlike in new imperialism, there were less impact on the imperial country and colony during old imperialism.

Some topics in this essay:
England Frances, Africa Unlike, Asia Africa, Industrial Revolution, Portuguese Spanish, Roman Catholics, Rhodes British, Europeans1 Colonies, Chris Talbot, , european countries, imperialism period, asia africa, raw materials, imperialist countries, natural resources, expansion european, imperialism �, political control, imperialist powers, expansion european countries,