Welcome to Veritas, a web site dedicated to examining the past and present consequences of imperialism. It also examines how the old practices of imperialism and mercantalism are still alive and well today.
The Great Empire Builders
The Romans were perhaps the greatest empire builders the world has ever known. While western civilization owes it a debt of gratitude for its contrabutions, it must be remembered that empire is by nature an exploitative system. The Romans expanded their boarders by force. Nations that fought against Rome and were defeated were subject to harsh punishments. Enemy soldiers captured in battle were sold into slavery. Through conquest Rome became the richest city of the ancient world.
The Age of Exploration or Exploitation?
The British Empire is often called the cousin of the Roman Empire. It created one of the largest empires the world has ever known. Based around a massive imperial fleet, the British were masters of trade and commerce. Lots of money was made via the mercantile trade system that favored the mother country over the colonies. Britain was not alone in this endevor. France, Spain and Portugal also had large oversea colonies. Spanish colonization efforts in South America lead to the destruction of the native civilizations already there.
A Neo Roman Empire?
Today the United States of America is pursuing imperialist policies not dissimilar to the Roman Empire. While it may not annex countries, it uses its massive military might to impose its will on weaker nations. Canada is not all that different from the United States. Canada too has an empire. Canadian companies have investments in weaker countries so that they may engage in human rights and environmental violations witrh out any consequences. Imperialism is not dead, it just changed shape.