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Imperialism

Imperialism Essay
Domination by one country of the political, economic, or cultural life of another country or region, is known as imperialism.   The period from 1870 to 1914 is also known as the Age of Imperialism.   Imperial rule took place in many forms, the most common being colonies, spheres of influences, and protectorates.   Imperialism was an important part of the development of empires in European nations.
Although imperialism helped act as a catalyst for the expansion of European empires, some think it cause more harm than good.   This maybe because some countries showed little or no respect for their colonies or their people.   An example of this could be the Congress of Berlin (1884-1885).   Without consulting the African people, the European nations drew boundary lines on a map of Africa and divided the land amongst themselves.   Also, after that many countries chose to rule their colonies by the policy of direct rule. Ruling under direct rule meant that the European nation controlled the government of their colony on all levels.   They appointed their own European officials to replaced the African leaders and they also cast aside the traditional ways of governing.   Even though colonial governments helped destroy the traditional way of life in Africa, colonial rule also brought its own benefits.   Europeans took the wealth they gained from mining and used it to develop their colonies economically.   Colonial governments also introduced better medical care and tools. In addition, new crops, tools, and farming methods brought by the Europeans greatly augmented their food production.  
The European imperialism helped to greatly educate many of their colonies.   In African colonies, Europeans increased literacy.   Christian missionaries were particularly active in setting up schools and developing written alphabets for some African languages.   After many Africans

had graduated from colonial schools, some went on to complete their education in the...