Impact of Imperialism

Some of the positive effects of Imperialism on the colonies were the introduction of transportation and communication like railway lines, canals, telegraphs and telephones. It also led to the growth of political consciousness and the feeling of nationalism in the colonies. It led to development in modern education and science which helped the nations to develop after they gained their independence.

Imperialism had a disastrous effect on the colonies. The indigenous industries were ruined and the natural resources ruthlessly exploited. China was divided into spheres of influence and thrown open to international trade. The whole of Africa, except for Liberia and Ethiopia, was divided among the European nations. A large numbers of Africans were sold as slaves.

In South Africa, the ‘white’ European community ill-treated the ‘black’ on the basis of their dark skin. This is called racial discrimination or apartheid which was the worst impact of Imperialism.

The negative impact of Imperialism outweighs its positive one as it drained both the Asia and Africa of their wealth, raw materials and exploited their markets by selling their industrial goods thereby destroying the economy of these colonies. Their policy of racial discrimination made the people lose their self respect as well as their confidence.

In India, the Europeans came as traders but became rulers. They destroyed India's prosperous economy. India which was an exporter of textile became a buyer of finished goods and exporter of raw materials. Besides, heavy taxation led to poverty of the masses.

The 20^th Century saw more scientific discoveries and inventions than any other period in the human history. Starting with the steam-powered ships it ended with human visit to space, moon landings and the network of computers. The world shrunk with instant communication and speedy transport. Unfortunately the whole world was affected by imperialist rivalries and economic motive. This created a tension among European countries, US and Japan which entangled them in two world wars.