The economic needs of European countries contributed to the growth of Imperialism in the second half of the 19th Century.

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1. Choose any one reason from the list and explain how it contributed to the growth of Imperialism.

The economic needs of European countries contributed to the growth of Imperialism in the second half of the 19th Century. The power of Industrialization increased the need for raw materials (rubber, diamonds, palm oil…etc) and new markets to sell manufactured goods. Foreign territories were viewed as markets where merchandise produced in Europe could be sold. In addition, foreign countries offered vital items, which were not accessible in Europe. Thus, the growth of Imperialism in the second half of the 19th century helped Europe maintain an industrialized economy.

A Russian communist, Lenin, assumed that the rapid growth of Imperialism was wholly caused by the economic needs of a capitalist society. A growing capitalism population required foreign lands for financial savings and to avoid its collapse. Overall, imperial expansion in Lenin’s eyes was not a strategy, but inevitability. Without plentiful raw materials and new markets from increased Imperialism capitalism would have failed, resulting in a workers’ revolution. In general, based from the above facts, the economic reasons of Europe’s capitalist community contributed to the growth of Imperialism.  

China in the second-half of the 19th Century further verified Lenin’s ideas, in regards to economic factors being the sole cause for the growth of Imperialism. The key cause of ‘The MaCartney Mission’ was to negotiate a commercial treaty with China to extend trade throughout the nation. In October, Lord Macartney submitted specific requests to construct a warehouse in Peking for traders selling manufactured goods. He also asked for additional trading ports in Ningpo and Tientsin. Moreover, the Opium Wars caused China to sign a series of agreements with Britain, under the threat of force. Incorporated in the treaties was the abolishment of the Canton System; hence China was required to trade with the Europeans on an equal basis. Overall, the European requests all had subtle links to trade. The ‘China occurrences’ verified Europe’s need for raw materials and new markets in the second half of the 19th Century. These needs forced them to widen their empire.

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India was recognized as a 'jewel in the crown of England' primarily because India helped Britain maintain an industrialized economy. India provided a cheap source of labour following the abolition of slavery.  For example, in 1858-1859 53,000 Indians were sent overseas as indentured labour. Britain’s interest in India rapidly increased after the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial revolution created a demand for raw materials and new markets.  Raw materials like rubber from Congo, diamonds from South Africa, cotton from India and Persian oil were exceedingly valuable to European businessmen. Without abundant raw materials, Europe’s industrialized economy would almost certainly weaken, sooner ...

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