Imperialism Research Paper Essay Example
1850-1914: The Destruction of Unique Nations
Imperialism, defined as “the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies” (Merriam-Webster Online), typically involves a stronger and more technologically advanced nation taking over a lesser nation and using it for land, resources, or cheap labor. Imperialism was most prominent in the era from 1850-1914. Imperialism often influences the weaker nation negatively, though the weaker nation may adopt some of the technology or ideas of the stronger one. The stronger nation justifies its actions with social Darwinism and the ideas that they are a superior nation. However, in reality, they are destroying civilizations for their own gain. During the process of Imperialism, as represented in literature and history, the effected nations were hurt to the extent that the negative effects outweigh the occasional benefits.
Things Fall Apart tells the story of British Colonialism and Christian missionary work in a village in what is now Nigeria. The dynamics that affect the village interestingly parallel the impacts of European invasion of other parts of the world where more traditional cultures like the Umuofian tribes changed forever due to the arrival of the Europeans.
The early parts of the book focus on Okonkwo and his family and village. The book, while discussing the characters, describes in detail many of the customs and beliefs of traditional African societies. The book does not focus on why the traditional culture is good, or better than the European culture. Instead, it describes the culture as it was, with positive dynamics and some other societal norms that could be perceived by contemporary Westerners as less appealing, such as disposing newborn twins, or allowing wife abuse. The author’s point is not to create a good versus evil, black-and-white story about bad invaders and good villagers, but rather an
Imperialism, defined as “the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies” (Merriam-Webster Online), typically involves a stronger and more technologically advanced nation taking over a lesser nation and using it for land, resources, or cheap labor. Imperialism was most prominent in the era from 1850-1914. Imperialism often influences the weaker nation negatively, though the weaker nation may adopt some of the technology or ideas of the stronger one. The stronger nation justifies its actions with social Darwinism and the ideas that they are a superior nation. However, in reality, they are destroying civilizations for their own gain. During the process of Imperialism, as represented in literature and history, the effected nations were hurt to the extent that the negative effects outweigh the occasional benefits.
Things Fall Apart tells the story of British Colonialism and Christian missionary work in a village in what is now Nigeria. The dynamics that affect the village interestingly parallel the impacts of European invasion of other parts of the world where more traditional cultures like the Umuofian tribes changed forever due to the arrival of the Europeans.
The early parts of the book focus on Okonkwo and his family and village. The book, while discussing the characters, describes in detail many of the customs and beliefs of traditional African societies. The book does not focus on why the traditional culture is good, or better than the European culture. Instead, it describes the culture as it was, with positive dynamics and some other societal norms that could be perceived by contemporary Westerners as less appealing, such as disposing newborn twins, or allowing wife abuse. The author’s point is not to create a good versus evil, black-and-white story about bad invaders and good villagers, but rather an