The differences separating Old and New Imperialism are profound. It marks an ideological shift from "conquering new lands for the good of humanity to "conquering new lands for the good of the motherland". This type of Imperialism was first used by Otto von Bismark in his quest for a powerful, united Germany. It was this train of thought which built up great and powerful empires and ironically had them destroyed by the two world wars created by their megalomania.
The first beginnings of this new ideology can be traced back to Prussia at 1870. The French Army had been defeated by the cunning Bismark and the full unification of Germany had occurred. Bismark's mentality that "any deed was justified, if it led to greater power for Germany" (The Modern World Since 1870, 1981:pg8) had greatly influenced European leaders and caused this new type of Imperialism to spread across the continent. Powered by the new forces of high mobility and mass production, the dominant nations of Europe would then embark on a plan of industrialisation, which would significantly increase the power of the imperialist nations. .
Imperialism.
"The rule of control, direct or, of.
one state, nation or people over.
other similar groups or perhaps.
one might say, the disposition, urge or striving to establish such rule or control".
Indeed, it was this process of industrialisation which became the engine which powered the dawning of New Imperialism. It had been proven that Bismark's victory over France can be attributed to his excellent military skills but mainly the unrivalled railway system of Prussia and the other German states. Also, the mass production of high-tech weapons became commonplace after 1870 and this even further fuelled the imperialist urges lying dormant. This did not take long to happen as the primitive Africans lay next door to Europe and the imperialist powers, armed to the teeth with high-tech weapons were on their way.
