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Period: to
Europe from 1648 - 1948
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Materials for the Philosophy of the History of Mankind - Johann Gottfried von Herder
The philosopher Johann Gottfried von Herder wrote this in 1784, and it is very useful for understanding the different ideas that were floating around Europe at the time where nationalism began to gain popularity. His writings show how ideas shaped Europe and by looking at this text we can see the underlying roots for the development of imperialism. -
Imperial Manifesto on Poland - Tsar Nicholas I
Tsar Nicholas I wrote his ‘Imperial Manifesto on Poland’ in 1832, in which the themes of moral responsibility to civilize and protect lesser countries are apparent. This source is significant as it shows how governements portrayed imperialism to its citizens, and it shows how European powers masked their true economic, military and politcal agendas with the 'mission to civilize' developing countries. -
The Rise of Our East African Empire - F.D Lugard
‘The Rise of our East African Empire’, written in 1893 by F.D Lugard, is further evidence for how nationalism created the need to imperialize. Lugard explains how the primary motivation was economic, military and political, not the supposed duty to civilize and aid inferior countries. Lugard’s account demonstrates the motives to imperialize from the point of view of someone with influence within the government, and is useful to see how governments viewed imperialism compared to its people. -
The White Man's Burden - Rudyard Kipling
'The White Man's Burden', is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling and published in the magazine McClure's in February 1899. It is often labelled 'the anthem of imperialism' in Britain. It is significant because it highlights views that stemmed from nationalism, and shows how those views led to increased imperialism. Imperialists all around Europe used the title and message of this poem to justify the policy of imperialism as a noble deed. -
The Economic Bases of Imperialism - John Hobson
'The Economic Bases of Imperialism', by John Hobson, is a political and economic evaluation of imperialism. Published in 1902, Hobson claims that it was economic and political factors driving imperialism rather than nationalist pride. He influenced many intellectuals with his discourse including Lenin, who drew many ideas from Hobson in his own writing. -
Why Britain Acquired Egypt in 1882 - The Earl of Cromer
The Earl of Cromer, in 1908, highlighted reasons why Britain imperialized Egypt in 1882. What is significant though is how he first stipulates that Britain does not need Egypt, however they are imperializing it anyway to prevent another country doing the same. This highlights nationalist ideology and motives to imperialise that would not have been present prior to nationalism.
