Old Imperialism

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Old Imperialism is a term given to the period of European imperialism from the 1600s to the late 1800s, during which powers were motivated by “gold, god, and glory.” Gold referred to the wealth (precious metals and valuable merchandise) that the newly discovered lands promised to deliver. Glory described the pride a monarch of Europe felt in laying claim to new land, and gospel was a reference to the desire of European powers to 'bring heathens to Christ'. Mercantilist principles drove Old Imperialism.

Throughout Western Europe, political authority was completely controlled by central governments, while leaders were busy with the concept of how to increase the power of the state. National wealth was widely viewed as the groundwork of national power, governmental controls soon dominated nearly all of the state's domestic economy.

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[edit] The Beginning of Old Imperialism

The start of Old Imperialism in Europe was based on the military and naval power and the underlining motive was essentially capitalistic. It began with sea explorations of the Spanish and Portuguese in the second half of the fifteenth century. Commercial companies were sponsored and financed with military and naval expeditions frequently sent out after them to ensure political control of oversea territories. Eventually, great colonial empires were established by the various naval forces of Western Europe. Success was determined based on strategy and military power, as well as religious, social, and economic justifications.

[edit] The Peak of Old Imperialism

Early in the seventeenth century, the Netherlands consisted of the highest ranking naval force; overtaking much of Portugal and creating establishments on the coasts of North and South Americas. France eventually created colonies in North and South America as well. Although Portugal and France started early with imperialism, England wasn’t far behind. England ended up creating the most colonies, ranging from North and South Americas to Africa and India.

On July 4, 1776, The United States signed the Declaration of Independence, became a sovereign nation, and was no longer under control by the English. Some people consider this the downfall in England’s imperial lusts. Portugal and Spain ended up dropping out of the imperial race soon thereafter.

[edit] The Unraveling of Old Imperialism

The Old Imperialism era ended due to the unreasonably high costs of taking over territories as well as the fact that it was deemed to be too time-consuming for the mother-country. Generating an army and keeping it trained, alive, and well organized, proved to be too much for any of the countries. Also, with the new technological concepts and ideas from the Industrial Revolution, it made creating and manufacturing products easier.

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