Imperialism, a force for harm?

In the mid 1800’s to early 1900’s, there was a rush of Imperialism by European countries. “The need for new markets, the desire to foster national pride and spread European values, and the lure of adventure all fostered imperialism” (World History: Perspectives on the Past). By the end of the 1800’s, there were three main powers The United States, Japan and the European powers who all had control over colonies in Africa, India, China, and the Pacific Islands. We know that there were far reaching effects both positive and negative caused by the “The Age of Imperialism” by the many factors that brought economic, political and social changes.
One of the most positive effects of imperialism on the Economic industry was the new materials or “Cash Crops” coming in from new colonized states such as in Africa, where Europeans treasured their Diamond trade, and in China, where the narcotic Opium which was loved and needed. This drug was an especially powerful economi...