A COMPARISON OF THE CONCEPTS, MOTIVES AND EFFECTS OF WESTERN IMPERIALISM ON NIGERIA AND CHINA

Abstract

Imperialism is a modernizing instrument of history which helps uncivilized and culturally–bound societies to adopt western civilization and move into modernity. Imperialism is experienced by people who are influenced, invaded or colonized by the European powers in one way or the other. Western imperialism has economic, political and cultural effects on different societies based on the extent of western influence. The researcher focuses on the effects of western imperialism in China and Nigeria in the late Modern Period. The reason for the comparison is based on the influence and activities of the West in the 18th and 19th centuries. Also, the researcher points out how western imperialism has affected these societies in different ways. Western imperialism in China and Nigeria are of different forms which created different historical effects, backgrounds and perceptions. Slave trade business, British colonial rule and internal conflicts are the main features that characterize western imperialism in Nigeria, while foreign influence and control, opium trade, radical changes and internal conflicts characterize western imperialism in China. The researcher also finds out that there are psychological and cultural impacts of western imperialism as a result of changes and quest for modernity. Also, their reactions to the aftermath of imperialism are different because of many factors such as cultural backgrounds, system of government and different experiences of imperialism. Therefore, this paper explores the effects and impacts of western imperialism in China and Nigeria in the late modern period. It also discusses the cultural and psychological impacts of imperialism, consequences and effects in the social, economic and political lives of these societies.