"The most striking instance of the competition driven, self-feeding, complex nature of the last high phase of European imperialism was to be seen in Africa". (A History of Europe, JM Roberts) The manifestation of New Imperialism had occurred and this was the beginning of a 30-year land-conquering spree. Intense rivalry between the European nations occurred and by 1900, over 90% of Africa was under direct European rule. .
New Imperialism in its purist form - the domination of Africa .
Africa was a game, which yielded great rewards for the European nations as it opened up: more natural resources, more labour and more markets. However, the game of domination of the world would soon explode, turning Europe against itself and bringing the entire world into conflict as what we now know as World War 1.
World War 1 was named a "World War" because it was just that. The forces of New Imperialism had brought together secondary allies for the European nations to use for manpower, resources and tactical advantage. Without New Imperialism the war would have been relatively smaller, fought only a few fronts and the destruction could have been contained. Even the very possibility of war breaking out could be questioned. But by the use of the world by Europe, the entire globe was forced into conflict, which marked Europe's decline, due to the loss of ability to control subjugates and to the emerging power of the USA.
Even though the allies won World War 1, their ability to control their empires was severely hampered. Only Britain remained with enough power to sustain a great empire, but Britain was also helped by the extreme loyalty given to it by Australia, New Zealand and other colonies. This would soon crumble as the economic boom of the 1920s collapsed and the Great Depression began. This created widespread poverty in almost every nation but Germany suffered the most by far. With unemployment hitting 33% and with industry not being able to recover from the last war, Germany was in a terrible state.
