Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

When the apologetics and ideological obfuscation are stripped away, the essence of imperialism is straightforward and easy to understand: It is the forced subjugation of less powerful nations by more powerful nations. It is invariably accompanied by cruelty and oppression on the part of the conquerors, and resistance – sometimes simmering under the surface but frequently bursting forth in protest, rebellion, and revolution – on the part of the victims. Since 1500, when Europeans gained control of the seas, European nations and their American offshoot have been the foremost imperialist powers.Imperialism has existed since ancient times – the “first imperialist” of recorded history was Sargon of Akkad, who subjugated the neighboring city-states of Mesopotamia – but the European expansion that began just before 1500 represented a qualitative change in the character of imperialism. For most of the many millennia of human history, Europe was a backward and unimportant part of the world. It remained that way until about 500 years ago, when Europeans suddenly burst forth and began to dominate the entire globe. The advent and spread of empires of European origin is the primary historical determinant of the state of the world as it is today. The world is divided into nation-states, a few of which are wealthy and technologically advanced, but most of which, representing the overwhelming majority ... log in or subscribe to read full text