In the late 1800s Europeans and Americans sought land in Asia and Africa to expand their political empires. This unstoppable and in most cases unwanted influence was called imperialism. Natives of Africa and Asia have responded in many ways, but these responses can be classified into two different groups. The people who welcomed the change that came with imperialism were called modernizers and the people who opposed imperialism were called traditionalists. I believe that the response to imperialism of people classified as modernizers was more effective than that of people who clung to traditional ideas and culture. This is my personal opinion for four reasons. The number one reason is that Western imperialism was too advanced to be able to counter it. Second, the modernizers maintained greater control over their lands. Third, instead of focusing on opposing imperialism as the traditionalists had done, the modernizers used Western intelligence to their advantage. The fourth reason I believe this is because holding on to traditional ideas and not moving forward with world progress creates a weak state. Initially most people in Asia and Africa were traditionalists and did not want to take part in imperialism, but in light of the power displayed through the battles with the native West they changed their minds. “Some concluded that the West was actually superior in certain respects and that it was therefore necessary to reform their societies and copy some European achievements” (McKay Hill, Buckler, Ebrey, Beck, Crowston, & Wiesner-Hanks, 2009). Becoming modernizers is advantageous because it was impossible for the natives to conquer the West. Progress in military development, especially in the field of weapons, has been overwhelming compared to that of Africa and Asia (mid-paper, 2009). Many of these things have happened in Asia and Africa over time, but without people willing to accept new ideas and stronger government structures nothing could progress. The modernizers, by accepting some of imperialism, paved the way for the research and willingness to test new ideas and change governments for the benefit of their lands and their people. It is obvious that imperialism has not been fair to Asia and Africa, but there is no doubt that in some sense these lands benefited from Western ideas. Time has shown in the efforts of both modernizers and traditionalists that the modernizers have fared better. There was much to be gained from Western knowledge and the modernizers embraced this concept. There is always more to learn and ways to improve things and this is the main reason why modernizers have been more effective in dealing with imperialism. Works Cited The American Pageant