Industrialization, Nationalism, And Imperialism: Effects Of The Present Day

Unit 4 take home essay: Industrialization, Nationalism & Imperialism Nationalism, Industrialization, and Imperialism have all had profound effects of the present day. The magnitude that Nationalism and Imperialism have transformed human society would not have occurred on such a large scale had it not been for the driving force of industrialization. Industrialization ultimately has had the most dramatic effects of the present day. The industrial revolution, like the agricultural revolution has produced lasting effects on the way the human species lives and feels about itself. By creating a greater need for resources, and promoting unification, Industrialization intensified the effects of both imperialism and Nationalism.
During this time of immense transformation within societies, resources became sought after and therefore imperialism grew immensely. Before the 1700s, the focus of imperialism was mainly on precious metals and crops such as the cash crops of sugar in the Caribbean and tobacco in the Americas. New imperialism which began at the start of the industrial revolution had a focus on finding resources that could be obtained cheaply. Industrialization which had the potential to hugely benefit one's economy, also required a surplus of raw materials. The need for raw materials coupled with new technologies such as the steam boats allowed European powers to invade and exploit territories which they had not had the means to access beforehand. One major example of imperialism driven by industrialization was the scramble for Africa, the division of Africa by European powers. European powers advanced warfare technology made conquering lands in Africa a relatively easy task. Through the needs of industrialization, imperialism blossomed and expanded on a major scale by the end of the 18th century, the