West European Studies, Research Paper Example

The second Industrial Revolution was experienced between 1870 and 1914 and this contributed to the rise of nationalism and imperial tensions, at home and abroad respectively, due to the need of increased markets and resources. In most European regions, strong nationalistic ideologies were experienced due to the crossroads of cultural, artistic and political developments. Therefore, nationalism is the desire of people to be ruled by themselves hence the expulsion of all foreign presence (Esteves 20). Nationalism tensions brought about the rise of World War I. However, this is mirrored by continental deterioration of European power balance due to the creation of unity between German and Italy. For the European society, industrialization succeeded, but German was confronted by geographical limitations. Since imperialism was not a nineteenth century creation, it is evident that industrialization led to the governance, as a result, of technological advances of more industrialized nations of Europe over Africa, Asia and New World, which are underdeveloped regions. Imperial expansion was affected by geopolitical interests or internal political stresses, rising rivalry internationally and the spread of the industrial revolution (Esteves 32). Africa benefited from the industrial revolution because Europeans came with vaccines and machine guns.

Nationalism and imperialism in this case impacted the society in both negative and positive ways. To some nations, imperialism brought about the increase of industrialization and thus, innovation and production was promoted by all people. Individuals utilized their resources well and were able to develop new markets, which led to globalization (Williamson 60). Imperialism also united nations and enabled them work together with the aim of improving their living standards. In addition, they united people through working together and sharing of ideas and opinions. Peace prevailed between the two powers, and this resulted in the promotion of trade activities (Jacks 2006). Trade developments included reduced trade barriers, better protection of property rights and colony inclusion in currency unions (Mitchener and Weidenmier 2007). It is evident that a coin has two sides and imperialism also impacts negatively.

The colonial boundaries of the Europeans cut across old tribal boundaries, and this disrupted life patterns in the society to-date. In the colonies, people were subjected to humiliation and suffering, which include slavery and forced labor (Williamson 65). Additionally, the Europeans imposed their culture upon the native people like imposing European agricultural techniques that resulted in soil ruining. The teaching process was irrelevant because most of the poems were not relating to African environments. Colonial subjects who went to the far Europe to get education came with the dangerous ideas related to Marxism, liberalism and nationalism. However, the downfall of the European empire came to pass with the acquisition of knowledge and technological know-how by the natives. For the European powers, it was expensive maintaining colonies, and this was a liability to them. The revenues and resources available were not balancing with the number of colonies ruled. As a result, a decreased ensued, on the number of places, to rule and hence, tensions prevailed. European derived powers controlled 85% of the global environment (Mitchener and Marc 2007) in 1914, but this did not last long because, on the horizon, the World War loomed.

In conclusion, the periods between 1870 and 1914 brought about change into the lives of different cultures. At some point, the changes were positive, but to some extent the change brought about integration in the society. Nationalism and imperialism are ideologies that need to be researched further in order to enlighten people on all the aspects encompassing the phenomenon. Additionally, the results of World War I are evident from tensions evolving from colonial powers and ambitions.

Works Cited

Esteves, Rui. Between Imperialism and Capitalism. European Capital Exports Before Mimeo, Oxford University, 2007. Print.

Jacks, David. What Drove 19^th Century Commodity Market Integration? Explorations in

 Economic History 43 (2006): 383-412. Print.

Mitchener, James and Marc, Weidenmier. Trade and Empire. Mimeo, Santa Clara University and Claremont McKenna College, 2007. Print.

Williamson, Jeffrey. Land, Labor and Globalization in the Third World, 1870-1940. Journal of Economic History 62.1 (2002a): 55-85. Print.