Imperalism's Effects On Europe

Imperialism resulted in Europe coming to dominate most of the world. From ruling practically all of Africa to Britain's rule over India, Europe spread their influence and ideas around the world. "By 1900 the British ruled 400 million subjects and a quarter of the globe, while France possessions encompassed 6 million square miles and 52 million subjects. Germany united only in 1871, by 1900 had acquired an empire of 1 million square miles and 15 million people" (Lynn, Martin). The colonies/territories that Europe acquired gave them access to a plethora of cheap goods and markets. A non-economic consequence of Europe's imperial policy was a drive to have a strong military to safeguard overseas possessions. This would lead to Britain's becoming the most powerful maritime state in the world during this time period. For smaller nations overseas possessions gave them access to wealth and power that were impossible for them to secure in mainland Europe.