Age of Empires Part 1

Hobsbawm starts out by giving us a quick overview that encompass what he calls the "Age of Empires" from 1875 to 1914. It's of course no coincidence that the end year coincides with the beginning of WWI as both are linked forever in history. He first goes over the "Centerian Revolution". Hobsbawn describes the world as being separated into two different regions, those that industrialized and those that didn't, the "third" world. In the next chapter he describes how and why the economy make such a radical change. He also explains why Britain originally had such a stronghold on trade and was able to rise to such great powers in the beginning of this period. Hobsbawm then goes on to describe how the "third" world changed during the period. He explains that many of these places were brought into different empires of the time and that many would specialize in particular thing, usually in the export of natural goods. He also describes what empiricism did to the imperialized countries. In chapter 4 the book discussed democracy and how it comes about. He states that almost inevitably the masses will rise up and demand some sort of representation and some sort of vote in matters. Hobsbawm also describes the problems that arise when trying to maintain a political system in a government. He cites the difficulty in incorporating labor movements into politics as one of these problems.

What I found most interesting about this reading is how he describes the general sentiments in Europe and America at this time. There is a general sentiment that these industrial and empirical powers were more advanced than those they were conquering. It was almost seen as doing these "third" world countries a favor. I also found it interesting that many believed that in order for these areas to industrialize and join modern society, that they would need an infusion of white blood. It amazes me that a little over a century ago that these beliefs existed. I also was interested in how the relationships work between the countries that are involved in this empiricism. The fact that the European and American powers would just go into a country and designate what that country would be good for. They would simply do whatever would make them the most country. I think this shows how sometimes, capitalism can go to far when left totally unchecked.

Chris N