Colonialism: A Theoretical Overview - Softcover

Osterhammel, Jurgen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1558763406 ISBN 13: 9781558763401

Publisher: Markus Wiener Publishers, 2005

Synopsis

“Osterhammel (History, U. of Constance) argues that the global mercantile expansion of the European powers of the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries bears a marked resemblance to the political imperialism of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Further, although there are some differences in scope and timing, the colonizers had similar aims and experiences. Instead, Osterhammel finds more significant the intentions and goals of the individual colonies, which he groups into those that were exploited for raw materials, land and labor, those that served for settlement, and those that served as military installations. He finds each type has distinctive features, such as ethno-cultural demarcation, and clear differences in economic management and administration, which lead to very different outcomes as colonies gained independence. Osterhammel provides a new bibliography for this edition.” ―Book News

About this title

Product Description

This study encompasses the process of colonization and decolonization from the early modern period to the twentieth century. It shows that the Europeans were normally not considered dangerous invaders by local populations until they threatened the traditional cultures with missionaries, European schools, and bureaucracy.

Review

A conviction of imperial cultural superiority gave modern colonialism an aggressive turn. The result was ethnic and social stratification in the colonial society, even when colonists took over the pre-colonial administration and society as the British did in India. - Midwest Book Review

Edition details

• Publisher: Markus Wiener Publishers
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1558763406
• ISBN 13: 9781558763401
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 200