Changes

After the industrial revolution, many European nations extended their power through “[[imperialism]]”, which means one nation trying to control or heavily influence other people in another land.  [[Imperialism]] makes the bigger nation feel more powerful and more influential.  It can also be very profitable for the imperialistic nation as it exploits the natural resources and labor of the other people.  But subjugated people began to resent rule by another nation, and imperialism became a huge problem worldwide.

After the industrial revolution, many European nations extended their power through “[[imperialism]]”, which means one nation trying to control or heavily influence other people in another land.  [[Imperialism]] makes the bigger nation feel more powerful and more influential.  It can also be very profitable for the imperialistic nation as it exploits the natural resources and labor of the other people.  But subjugated people began to resent rule by another nation, and imperialism became a huge problem worldwide.

At least the above is how imperialism is usually described.  There is another side to this coin.  Imperialism could also be described a powerful nation trying to make things better for an underdeveloped region, by building hospitals and churches and distributing food, the Bible, and ideas that promote success.  The British colonization of America was imperialistic, but not all bad.  In fact, many would say that the British colonies brought much that was good to America, and that we are still benefiting from it today.

At least the above is how imperialism is usually described.  There is another side to this coin.  Imperialism could also be described a powerful nation trying to make things better for an underdeveloped region, by building hospitals and churches and distributing food, the Bible, and ideas that promote success.  The British colonization of America was imperialistic, but not all bad.  In fact, many would say that the British colonies brought much that was good to America, and that we are still benefiting from it today.  We will discuss imperialism again in more detail later in this lecture.

Prior to the 1800s, strongly independent nations had not yet arisen in continental Europe (Europe other than Britain).  The Holy Roman Empire held much power until the Reformation in the 1500s, and even afterward.  The Hapsburg ruling family was a powerful ruling dynasty throughout Europe, especially in Austria where it ruled from 1278 to 1918.  This family served as Kings of the German territories for several centuries (until 1806), as Holy Roman Emperors, and also served as Kings of Croatia, Hungary, Portugal, Spain and Bohemia. They even installed the Emperor of Mexico from 1864 to 1867!

Prior to the 1800s, strongly independent nations had not yet arisen in continental Europe (Europe other than Britain).  The Holy Roman Empire held much power until the Reformation in the 1500s, and even afterward.  The Hapsburg ruling family was a powerful ruling dynasty throughout Europe, especially in Austria where it ruled from 1278 to 1918.  This family served as Kings of the German territories for several centuries (until 1806), as Holy Roman Emperors, and also served as Kings of Croatia, Hungary, Portugal, Spain and Bohemia. They even installed the Emperor of Mexico from 1864 to 1867!