Question

1. Discuss in detail three factors which motivated European contact, conquest, and colonization of non-western societies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Answer 1

Three major factors that motivated European conquest, and subsequent colonization of non-western societies in Africa Asia and Latin America have been listed below:

1. Economic factors: Economy was undoubtedly the most important factor that was responsible for European imperialism. As the Industrial Revolution advanced, the European markets for various industries reached a point of saturation, and the capitalists were compelled to look for new markets elsewhere. This motivated the European countries to colonize Africa and large parts of Asia, where they compelled the local people to purchase goods produced by them instead of the indigenous goods. Additionally, all the people of Europe could be absorbed into the production process during the Industrial Revolution. Hence, surplus labour had to be brought in from the colonized countries. These countries also provided plenty of raw material for industries.

2. Political factors : In the 19 century, Europe witnessed the growth of Patriotism and nationalistic fervour. The European countries were involved in a power struggle in which each wanted to prove itself superior to the others by acquiring a greater number of colonies all over the world. Certain powerful politicians and leaders such as Benjamin Disraeli, Jules Ferry, and King Leopold of Belgium advocated colonization as a means for increasing National prestige.

3. Cultural factors: The 19th Century European society was characterized by widespread social Darwinism. Following the Industrial Revolution, a significant gap had developed between the economic conditions in Europe and those in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Since the countries that were targeted for colonization were much poorer, they were considered unfit to rule themselves according to the theory of social darwinism. European countries, on the other hand, considered themselves culturally and socially fit to take over the administration of these countries and civilize their people. Thus, an act of economic exploitation of the colonized countries was justified as a noble act of civilising them.