One of imperialism's most virulent detractors was the British economist John Hobson (1858-1940). Having observed British imperial rule in South Africa, Hobson became an early critic who emphasized both imperialism's economic roots and its often pernicious cultural effects. His scathing critique, Imperialism (1902), remains one of the most influential analyses of imperialism and served as an important sources of anti-imperial thought during the early and mid twentieth century.

Imperialism Discussion Questions

1. According to Hobson, what are the arguments that imperialists advance in support of imperialism?
2. In Hobson's view, did imperialism benefit all parts of the imperializing nation equally? Explain.
3. What alternative paths could industrializing nations follow? Which path did Hobson prefer?
4. What would Hobson think of Kipling's poem?