wei

Around the mid-nineteenth century, the British Empire entered a new era of colonial/imperial policy called “New” or “High Imperialism”. What are the differences to previous stages of colonial policy?

Nick

Before, the British conquered countries in order to set up trading posts and take their resources. Now they faced a race for Africa against their European neighbors, each seeking to create their own sphere of influence to gain resources and increase national pride. The European elite saw it as their Christian duty to "civilise" and convert the natives, this was known as the White Man's Burden.

wei

yes, i've heard such interpretation, saying colonialism might focus more on commerce and imperialism more idiology.
John A. Hobson said imperialism was not in national interest, only private.
keeping such a large Empire cost the British government a fortune. was it
why they grant white colonies self-government? maybe they learnt smth from
the American independence?
Lenin said imperialism is the highest form of colonialism. how do u see that?

Nick

I think they only granted their colonies independence because after the war they couldn't afford to fight the rebels. Lenin's right about the link between capitalism and imperialism. The European upper classes stripped the empire of its resources so they could make large profits and continue to live in luxury while keeping their own people poor and the natives of the colonies oppressed.