Nationalism and imperialism in Caribbean history

Abstract

As numerous critics have pointed out, imperialism is motivated by economic interest. What is known as the economic interpretation of imperialism has not, however, been without its detractors. Economic motives alone do not fully explain imperialism. But they do provide the most reliable and persistent single element in explaining the sometimes bewildering twists and turns of the policies of the imperial powers. The basic writings of the mercantilists — who, after all, invented the product — were unapologetic on the point. Cherchez léeconomie!