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Difference Between Nationalism And Imperialism

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Throughout the 19th Century, the connection between nationalism and imperialism continued to grow. Enlightenment ideas, combined with the experience of the Napoleonic Wars, led on to stimulate change throughout the world. Some say that nationalism led to imperialism, while others say imperialism led to nationalism. On one hand, nationalism as a powerful country, can move towards imperialism. On the other hand, one may say that imperialism can potentially lead to nationalism in countries that have been taken over by imperial powers. Some may ask, “What is the difference between nationalism and imperialism?” Nationalism is a political, social, and economic system that is characterized by indorsing the interests of a nation, particularly with a goal of gaining and maintaining self-governance, or full sovereignty, over the group's fatherland (Webster 1). Whereas imperialism is the policy or practice, of spreading the power and territory of a nation by territorial acquisitions and by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas (Webster 1). Nationalism and Imperialism are two separate terms that are to be understood in different ways. Nationalism is based on …show more content…

Let us use Africa as an example. European efforts were able to improve the colonies, which then led to enhanced sanitation and education opportunities. Followed by Hospitals, schools, many factories were constructed, therefore creating more jobs for the people of Africa. Due to the construction of the hospitals, life spans were increased. Not only did the job opportunities and lifestyles see a change, the economy altered also. The amount of local warfare was reduced considerably due to level of control the African government was able to have. This also led to the colonies to be able to have more order and peace (Aron

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