British Economic Advancement at The Expense of its Colonies
The British government began a wave of expanding its territories in the 16th century. The empire first established its power in America before moving to Africa and Asia. Various reasons prompted Britain to seek colonial territories. While they needed new markets for their surplus goods and to invest the surplus wealth, proponents argue that colonization crucial in bringing civilization to other regions. Nonetheless, the British empire reaped huge economic advancement at the expense of its colonies.
Maseland&Robbert (p.260) argues that the British gained from the colonies. Wealth draining, which is forcing goods on people, is one way for Britain to exploit its colonies. British farmers in India acquired cheap labor from workers. Raw farm produce moved to Britain for processing, and the products were exported back to India on inflated prices. They did not develop manufacturing industries in the territory; thus, the wealth generated went back to Britain. The colonialists developed infrastructure like road and rail networks in colonies, but that was only to serve their interests.
Another way the British exploited their colonies was through the slave trade. Africans were captured and shipped to work in British plantations in America and EuropeIrigoin&Alejandra (p 163). Through this, Africa lacked a crucial workforce, which would otherwise help to bring development. The British also alienated indigenous communities from arable land. They forcefully acquired prime lands to create plantations. Africans were not allowed to practice farming, as this would lower the quality of the produce. They, therefore, sought jobs from European farms. Meager salaries and long hours of work did not offer much to Africans rather than basic needs.
In conclusion, the British establishment of colonial territories proved to be a form of profitable business in which Britain created an unfavorable environment to exploit the nations they colonized. Importing raw materials to their own country for processing rather than building industries in the colonies and using cheap labor are examples of how they selfishly gained economic advancement while the regions they colonized lagged behind.