Motivation and Results of Imperialism

Power-hungry European countries in the mid-19th century were all in competition over distant overseas colonies, which were vital to their survival. To maintain control over their colonies they also needed to control over their bases in order to keep troops and ships properly supplied and protected along their way. Such significant places were, for example, the Strait of Gibraltar and the Suez Canal. Although the goal of most European powers was wealth, others felt …

…the world has seen since World War II. Overall, European imperialism left all the formerly controlled countries in corruption and extreme poverty. In the Belgian Congo, millions of innocent people were massacred by the Belgian government. In South Africa imperialism resulted in shocking racism against all people of color. European imperialism was very hypocritical and greatly worsened people's lives around the world, despite a few minor improvements. I believe that it was therefore not justified.