Imperialism is a phenomenon present in societies throughout history, arguably since the beginning of

civilization. One of the first issues civilized societies addressed in their quest for order was how to protect
themselves from other, more ambitious societies. Thus, militaries composed of professional soldiers were
armed to either protect the assets or interests of a certain society or to attack another society. Though they
did not know it at the time, the attacking civilizations were participating in imperialism, the policy of
extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force. (Google Definitions)
Imperialism and its consequences are widely debated today due to their negative impact on indigenous
peoples yet positive global impact. Though imperialist powers provided infrastructure and economic
development for colonized countries and fueled the global economy, these nations often relied on violence to
retain hegemony over colonized lands and exploitation to reap rewards at the expense of indigenous peoples.
Powerful countries, such as those of Europe after the Renaissance, often imperialized others to gain
assets deemed economically or politically valuable. In doing so, they had to devise and implement systems of
extraction and communication within the colonies themselves. However inadvertently, these
imperially-funded systems provided infrastructure for the colony and therefore aided in these countries
economic development. Previously unexploited mineral resources and fertile fields that had lain fallow were
now being put to use thanks to imperial investment and construction, providing jobs for both imperial and
indigenous peoples. Throughout the 19th century and spilling over into the first half of the 20th century, the
British in India worked to advance the transportation and communication technologies of India through
construction of railroads and cables, respectively. The British also provided India with an advanced
education system based on their own, bestowing upon Indians a means to better their lives and become
educated world citizens equipped with the tools necessary to earn a spot for themselves on the global stage.
The scope of these benefits was not limited to solely imperial countries and their colonies, however.
Imperialism throughout history has resulted in economic development on a global scale; without imperialist
ambition, the world would be a vastly different place compared to what it is today.
Imperialism has resulted in globalization, which has aided in developing the economies of first-world
and third-world countries alike. Links were established between imperial powers and their respective
colonies (through trade and colonial administration) that helped facilitate the creation of a global economy.
Due to the vast number of these links, along with those among first-world countries themselves, the globe
was integrated as never before. Globalization was especially evident in the interactions between France,
Britain, the Netherlands, Spain, and their respective colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. As the
imperial powers worked to extract resources from their colonies and participate in lucrative trade
agreements, they oversaw the creation of trans-atlantic trade routes that persist to this very day. Employing
their global influence throughout Africa, Asia, and the Americas, European powers facilitated the Columbian
Exchange, the massive transportation of goods and food crops to and from lands as far apart as Mexico and
China (in which the silver trade boomed, for example).
Even more astounding was the orchestration of enormous forced human migrations from Africa to
European imperial colonies in the Americas. Over the years 1450-1800, over twelve million Africans were
transported to the Americas as slave laborers. Though this migration was forced, it fueled the economies of
Africa, America, and Europe. As African kings and queens sold their peoples labor, they received payment
from Europeans and American nations in exchange for these slaves. Meanwhile, Americans and Europeans

were able to secure a hardworking labor force in the form of African slaves, who did not receive wages and
thus enabled business owners, especially in sugar-producing Brazil, to focus more on administration of their
businesses and worry less about labor expenses. However, while this trade improved and expanded the
global economy, its effects on indigenous peoples (those subjected to imperialism) were catastrophic and
inhumane.
Imperialists tendency to resort to violence in order to silence the cries for independence and fair
treatment reverberating from indigenous peoples was almost as common as imperialism itself. Imperialists
all too often outright invaded a weaker land and claimed ownership of it when there was already a society
inhabiting that area. Once the imperialists gained control of the country thanks to their advanced military
and communications technology, they exploited it for their own selfish gain. A brutal example of this colonial
imperialism is evident in Belgian King Leopolds ruthless treatment of the Congolese during his time
presiding over the Congo Free State. This seemingly innocent name was no more than a farce designed to
help mask the anguished cries of the Leopolds mournfully weary imperial subjects. Aiding in keeping the
barbaric treatment of Congolese under wraps was the king himself, who is quoted saying, The Congo Free
State is unique in its kind. It has nothing to hide and no secrets and is not beholden to anyone except its
founder, as his people secretly murdered and worked to death the people of the Congo. During (and after)
Leopolds rule, the Congolese had no rights and were brutally repressed when daring to fight back against
their oppressors. Due to apathetic policies toward the Congolese during their time under Belgian rule,
between 10 and 15 million died due to exhaustion, hunger, or thirst. This was imperialism in its purest form:
an exploitative and callous attitude toward a weaker people unable to defend itself.
Equally sickening is the gross exploitation of indigenous peoples land for the benefit of the
imperialists. Even as infrastructure was built and economies of imperial countries and colonies boomed as
never before, the poor masses of indigenous populations payed the price. The infrastructure aided in massive
transport of resources from colony to colonizer, with minimal (if any) compensation for the colony. As it was
drained of resources, little was left for the poor victims of imperialisms harsh policies and practices. This
was evident in the neoimperialism that many European powers, the United States, and Japan imposed on
the Chinese during the mid-19th century. In this more insidious form of imperialism, economic and political
restrictions are placed on a weaker power. In this case, China had its government and its sovereignty crushed
after the Opium Wars opened up the country to exploitation by the Unequal Treaties. The Chinese people
and government were humiliated and dehumanized, made into little more than profitable opportunities to
be taken advantage of.
Imperialism is one of the most debated topics of this day and age due to its positive impact on the
global economy and on imperialists, yet negative impact on those subjected to imperialist policies.
Imperialists possession of power and influence has enabled and continues to enable them to silence the cries
of oppressed indigenous peoples who are often taken significant advantage of by their imperial overlords.
Despite humanitarian efforts, legacies of imperialism remain to this day, and indigenous peoples around the
world are always fighting against the influence of imperialism in their societies. It is up to the individual to
decide where he stands on this issue. Will the cries of the oppressed resound more loudly than the smooth
rumbling of luxury cars? Or will an improved global economy, bringing with it stability and comforts, be
enough to turn a deaf ear to those in pain?