European Imperialism, 1860-1914

'Andrew Porter has succeeded in rendering one of the most complex historiographies of all modern history into a concise and eminently readable form. The extraordinary breadth of his sources is as admirable as his balanced survey of the many, often conflicting, theories relating to this formative period of world history.' - John MacKenzie 'Full of insight and sound sense...invaluable to students.' - History 'Lively, incisive...as an up-to-date topography of the field European Imperialism is hardly to be bettered.' Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History

In examining the controversial historiographical literature surrounding this subject, the book criticises particular explanations, and introduces readers to some of the new directions in research and inquiry currently being explored by historians.This study surveys the growth of European intervention outside Europe between 1860 and 1914. It treats its subject, 'imperialism', as a process of increasing contact, influence and control, rather than as the nature and consequences of colonial rule. The problems of defining 'imperialism' are considered alongside various analytical approaches to the term. In examining the controversial historiographical literature surrounding this subject, the book criticises particular explanations, and introduces readers to some of the new directions in research and inquiry currently being explored by historians.