Colonialism: The Case For Imperialism

The Case for Imperialism

There is little if any doubt that modern society has condemned Imperialism and its various devices. I will gladly concede the fact the past implementations of Imperialism have been, in many ways, terrible with consequences that have wounded humanity deeply. This however does not mean that good things were not present. Or that the side effects were only bad. It is, as in all cases, easy to overlook the good if little or any bad exists. I believe that is the case here.

However I will not lie. The implementations of early imperialism had terrible side affects. Racial superiority combined with industrial greed all served to weaken the image of something that can truly be great. Sure, colonial policy had its flaws,
and those flaws were particularly noticeable to Americans who knew just how well colonial status couldn't cope with two equally racial levels. But to the rest of England's colonies, the touch of British imperialism brought great advances in food production, medicine, education, and liberty. But here's why the Left had to demonize imperialism. When Britain colonized a region, she not only sent businessmen and soldiers, she also sent Christian missionaries. Britain's strategy, which was simply motivated by the Christian duty to spread the Gospel, was uniquely successful for a reason most historians miss. By winning converts to Christianity, Britain created a segment of the native population that accepted the moral ideas on which the British political and economic philosophy was based. Although Britain initially "harmonized" trade between the colonies and the mother country - forcing the colonies to export raw materials and import British goods. The high point of the empire did not come about until after Britain enacted a policy of complete free trade in the mid 19th century. This policy produced great wealth both at home and in the colonies, because everyone was able to produce what they were best at, This is what economists call the principle of comparative advantage. Looking back on the British example, modern society forgets that what was essential to Britain's success was not free trade alone, but having large numbers of the native population that understood and accepted the Bible ideas on which free markets are based. Principal among these are the ideas of personal accountability, rights to property, including property in one's labor, freedom of contract, and honesty. All of these rights flow from God's moral rules - don't steal, don't lie, etc.

Many theories attempt to explain the motives for imperialism. One of the best-known theories focuses on economic profit as the chief reason for a nation to seek foreign territories. Industrialized nations can produce more manufactured goods than their people need or can afford to buy. Colonies may serve as markets for these unsold products. They also may provide cheap land, valuable natural resources, and investment opportunities for surplus capital. However, this theory does not fully explain imperialism because many colonies were not economically profitable. Many expansionists thought they had a God-given mission to take new territory and to spread Christianity and the benefits of European culture.

It would be absurd to suggest an entire nation of people would allow themselves to perform essentially evil deeds for evil reasons.
One must also remember that Britain, and in the beginning Rome, were both democratic nations, therefore such imperial exploits could not have been undertaken without the general consent of the people. Thus such consent would have to be justified, and it was- through a belief in a higher responsibility to others less fortunate than themselves. Effects of imperialism include certain benefits that a ruling nation may provide for territories that form part of its empire. For example, the colonial powers built new communications and transportation systems, established universities, and introduced modern medical
practices.

Imperialism has been labeled as a bad thing that died out in the 20th century.
This view of Imperialism has especially been believed by Americans as they themselves were once a victim of it. But let us take a closer look at the Imperialism America so justly fought against. It's the mid to late 18th century and the Seven Years War wages on in Europe between Austria and Prussia, but closer to home the French and Indian War is being fought in America between France and Great Britain. This is the first modern imperialistic war. America, a British colony, cries out for help from her mother country to save her from the French amassing on her borders. After several years of hard fought war the British finally establish a crushing defeat to France and her Indian allies. The war is over and America is safe. But there is a problem. There are now thousands of British soldiers in America and a bankrupt England that cannot afford to ship them back. Britain calls out to her colony for aid, like America called out several years before, to give quarter to the very soldiers that saved them. Britain also raises taxes to help pay for the debt, not only taxes in America, but also in England. Not quite the evil story of British tyranny we have come to know. I shall now pose to you two definitions of Imperialism, the one so often told, and
mine:

Imperialism- The policy of seeking to extend the power, dominion, or territories of a nation through force of military might. And exploiting the recourses of oppressed nation to better the oppressors.

Imperialism- The policy of a nation to take it upon itself to protect and provide for a less industrialized nation, and to help build industry and education for the mutual benefit of both countries.

The fact is that most Europeans believed that they were doing the right thing, and that they were helping other nations. Also many colonies were not taken through military force or conquest. Egypt is a perfect example of this; the sultan of Egypt, and his corrupt government in the late 19th century finally succumbed to disaster and collapsed. With the threat of a hostile government, a terrorist takeover, and the Suez Canal potentially being cut off; Britain moved in to stabilize things. Once it re-established a government and brought about order, it stayed to keep the peace and opened the doors to new industry and healthcare. Many Egyptians prospered from this. I use Britain as a model for Imperialism for several reasons; first Britain had the most experience and the largest Empire in the history of mankind. Second, Britain's form of Imperialism, though flawed, was the closest to a true and good Imperialism. And three, many of Britain's former colonies are still associated with Britain today through its commonwealth.

The problems that plagued Imperialism in the past are as follows:

The belief in racial superiority.
The brutality of the Imperialists.
The second class status colonists held.
The arrogance of Europeans towards the colonists.

These problems though grave can be easily fixed, and can work without them. I shall perhaps be criticized for being foolish enough to believe that Imperialism can survive alone on the helping of others. This is not so. I do realize, and believe that the colonizing power can and should benefit from its Imperial exploits.

Here now is where I may lose the more liberal of souls, but let me say it quite plainly. The fact of Nature is that there is reality and fantasy, and the way the world works has been the same for thousands of years. If a stronger nation needs a commodity, it takes it for itself. This has been going on for as long as mankind has lived, I merely pose a more peaceful and enlightened way of doing it. We as American consumers this don't realize that through worse means than Imperialism we have what we would call day to day necessities. Makeup, clothes, spices, other food. All of this would be unavailable to us without some small Imperial exploit. I shall then bring you to date on a few things. For all of you who think that Imperialism is dead and a thing of the past you are sorely mistaken. The war presently going on in Iraq is one of the finest examples of both modern Imperialism, and the way in which it should be done. Many accuse America of invading Iraq and Afghanistan for oil. Well that may be, but so what?! We are the stronger country, and there is a commodity we need, so we take it. If we happen to liberate an entire country at the same time, then I call that progress. And for everyone who calls it oppressive Imperialism, perhaps one should take a second look at Sadam's regime and tell those millions of Iraqis that they shouldn't have the right to vote, or the right to a democratic government with liberties for each citizen. Once again we also as an imperial nation shall gain from this because we will have influence over that countries affairs and its recourses.
So where is the problem? We gain, they gain. The response is of course death. Where do we place the value of a human life in comparison to Imperial gains? We as Americans honor and believe in the justified death of those who fought for our independence in 1776, why can we not honor those who fight for others independence.

Imperialism is not an evil, but has simply been made one through years of liberal misunderstandings. It can work, and should be the policy of any country willing not only to increase the prosperity of their own nation, but of another's as well.

- William Pierce Gibson IV esq.