History of the Imperialism Era in 1848 to 1914 Essay

In broad terms, imperialism can be described as the increase of authority of a particular state over another, directly or indirectly. In this paper, however, the term imperialism is used to refer to the era from the year 1848 to 1914 when the power of Europe was extended over several nations of the world. In the 19th century, Europe had more control over majority of America, Asia, as well as Africa in terms of military power, trade power, and intellectual strength.

Europeans justified the European Imperialism between 1848 and 1914 with some rationalizations. According to Merriman, Imperialism was severally justified as an effort to introduce advancement to the less privilege, expand civilization and Christianity, social imperialism, and diplomatic struggle among European authorities, pushed by nationalism.

Several factors motivated the European imperialism. The exploration for new markets for goods produced and manufactured in Europe, raw materials such as cotton and gold for industries in Europe, cheap labor, cheap land, and highly demanded goods, were some factors that motivated European imperialism (Merriman).

Some imperial events occurred during the era 1848 to 1914. Europeans had control over about 8percent of the world’s region, and by 1914, they had control over about 84percent of the world’s region (Merriman). By 1900, British Empire solely, had control over about 20percent of the world’s region and 26percent of the world’s populace (Merriman). Also, Africa and Asia were colonized by Europe.

Europe did this by taking charge of local governments, enforcing standards to the advantage of “backwards” societies, and exploiting for raw materials which were needed by European developing industries. Another imperial event includes the emigration of large European population. The European populace had been on the increase more than other populaces during the era 1848 to 1914. During this time, the pressure from population coupled with enhanced transportation gave rise to the highest migration in history.

Origins of the World War I

The World War I started in Europe in June 1914. The origins of the war comprised of tangled reasons, which include the clash and aggression of the forty years resulting to the war. Major factors that facilitated the war include; patriotism, imperialism, coalitions, as well as militarism (Merriman). However, the immediate causes of the conflict were the decisions of the generals and leaders during the clash of 1914 (Merriman).

The war broke after series of lengthy and problematic diplomatic crises that existed among the Great Powers over colonial and European matters in the years prior to 1914 (Merriman). These diplomatic crises were as a result of alterations in the stability of power since 1865.

Tensions from the Balkans region were to a greater extent, an origin of the World War I. Russia and Serbia contested with Austria and Hungary over regional influence and territory; and they eventually dragged other Great Powers to the war via their numerous treaties and associations (Merriman).

The World War I ended on 11 November 1918 after a truce with Germany. Joining of United States in the war and exit or Russia (dual shocks of 1917) directly facilitated the end of World War I. United States had provided allies with supplies and armaments even though they never warred against German until1917.

During the course of the war, Americans were outraged and eventually found their way into the war. United States was declared to join the war and hence, bring peace to Europe. The United States troops joined British and French troops in 1918. The associated victory was not only because of United States’ involvement. Swift progress in the creation of weapons meant that planes and tanks were ordinary by 1918.

Works Cited

Merriman, John. A History of Modern Europe: From the French Revolution to the Present, 3rd ed. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2010. Print.