Imperialism Quote by Edward Said
““Consider that in 1800 Western powers claimed 55 percent but actually held approximately 35 percent of the earth's surface, and that by 1874 the proportion was 67 percent, a rate of increase of 83,000 square miles per year. By 1914, the annual rate had risen to an astonishing 240,000 square miles [per year], and Europe held a grand total of roughly 85 percent of the earth as colonies, protectorates, dependencies, dominions, and commonwealths. No other associated set of colonies in history was as large, none so totally dominated, none so unequal in power to the Western metropolis." Culture and Imperialism, pg. 8””
About This Quote
Source Book: Culture and Imperialism, 1991
Western colonial expansion dramatically reshaped global power structures.
In simple terms: Colonialism reshaped the world.
Key Takeaway
Study historical impacts.
Themes
history
colonialism
power
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
academic
historical
When to use this quote
- academic courses
- policy analysis
- public debates
Key Concepts
political science
global studies
Questions to Reflect On
- What were non‑Western responses?
- How do colonial legacies persist?
A Different Perspective
Focus on West may ignore other perspectives.
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