Motives For British Imperialism

1. Slavery began to decline in the 1800’s because it was not economically needed. It became less profitable due to laissez-faire. It was not productive or beneficial anymore since Britain supported free trade, and they realized that it was also immoral. The abolishment of slavery was simply because slavery was counterproductive and unneeded.

2. According to Halstead, foreign policy didn't take any effect on British imperialism. Britain didn't need help from anybody. Britain already had their colonies for their cash flow and because of the industrial revolution; they were ahead of many other countries economically. With their steady government, resources, and money, the foreign policy did not make any dramatic changes. Due to British imperialism, Britain was able to develop into a powerful country. I do not agree with Halstead's views of the effect of foreign policy.

3. According to Halstead, British Imperialism was an act of benevolence and good virtue that was created through trade, philanthropy and good government while many others disagreed with this idea."Gallagher and Robinson argued that the scramble for Africa was motivated by concerns over security and nothing else while MacKenzie pointed out that Britain had created an elaborate image making apparatus, a widespread propaganda, that extolled militarism, monarchism".


4. Halstead’s final reasonings to British Imperialism consist of “national security, protecting free trade, protecting commercial routes, competition for markets and spheres of influence, settlement, colonization, diplomacy, and ideology.” Overall, this was very beneficial to the economy.