In: Psychology
What is the connection between the new imperialism of the late nineteenth century and the causes of World War I?
The word imperialism means a policy or practice that enhances the influence of a nation by gaining control over other areas of the world. The new imperialism takes effect in the late 19th century, as a competition takes place to acquire colonial territories. It also includes the willingness to control a nation's trade routes and wealth. New imperialism refers to the imperialist wave of colonization that started in the late 19th century and lasted until the First World War. Many European countries, such as the U.S. and Japan, stole an enormous quantity of land all over the world. There was tremendous competition for overseas regions. New sea vessels, faster communication and efficient manufacturing technologies made the world even more interconnected than ever. In the late 19th century, Britain also led the way in a new wave of expansion to govern European civilization, 85 percent of the world. The competition of the great powers to snatch up more land before their rivals creates the plot for the World War I. The European struggle to dominate much of the world and growing economic rivalry resulting from industrial development are main factors that lead ultimately to a global war. Imperial rivalries have been suggested as a long-range cause of world war I.