They argue that the various colonial powers set up schools and colleges, constructed roads and

railways, built canals and bridges; provided law and order, improved sanitation and health,
promoted trade and commerce and thus contributed to the welfare of the native people.
On the other hand, writers like John Conard and Holison are highly critical of the role of western
imperialism in Asia and Africa. They associate imperialism with exploitation, misery, poverty,
cruelty, conversion, degradation and racial segregation. Holison says that imperialism was
'rapacious and immoral'.
John Conard says "In many cases the motives for empire building have been selfish and the
people in the colonies have frquently been exploited for the benefit of the mother-country." Both
the above views contain only partial truth. In fact, the western colonization and imperialism was
a mixed blessing. Its effect can be conveniently studied under the following heads.