The Beginning of Old Imperialism
The start of Old Imperialism was based on the military and naval power and the underlining motive was essentially capitalistic. It began with sea explorations of the Spanish and Portuguese in the second half of the 15th century. Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal actually set up a School of Exploration for that very purpose. Commercial companies were sponsored and financed with military and naval expeditions frequently sent out after them to ensure political control of oversea territories. Eventually, great colonial empires were established by the various naval forces of Europe. Success was determined based on strategy and military power, as well as religious, social, and economic justifications.
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“As soon as you begin to say “We have always done things this way—perhaps that might be a better way,” conscious law-making is beginning. As soon as you begin to say “We do things this way—they do things that way—what is to be done about it?” men are beginning to feel towards justice, that resides between the endless jar of right and wrong.”
—Helen M. Cam (1885–1968)