The Dual Motivations of Economic Gain and Ideological Factors in Late 19th Century Imperialism

J.A. Hobson, a British theorist, and Vladimir Lenin, the Russian revolutionary and leader of the Bolshevik (later Communist Party) in the Soviet Union, both criticized late 19th century imperialism as a capitalist conspiracy by “big business” to subjugate colonies for pure economic gain. Colonies provided cheap raw materials and guaranteed markets for European and U.S. “trusts and monopolies”. But what about ideological factors such as the idea of the “civilizing mission” or Manifest Destiny? By the late 19th century, the U.S. joined other European powers in constructing an empire.

Make sure you have a thesis (a general argument) and provide examples and details from your sources to support your answer (please refer to the rubric on Canvas).