History
What is Imperialism?
Imperialism is the policy of extending a country's power and influence over other nations through colonization, military force, or economic and political control. It shaped much of world history, especially during the 1800s 'Age of Empire'.
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Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains imperialism.
Key things to understand
- 1A nation expands its power over others — by territory, economy, or politics.
- 2It can be direct (ruling colonies) or indirect (economic and political dominance).
- 3The late 19th century saw European powers carve up much of Africa and Asia.
- 4Motives included resources, markets, strategic advantage, and national prestige.
- 5It's distinct from colonialism, which is one specific method of imperial control.
Frequently asked questions
- How is imperialism different from colonialism?
- Imperialism is the wider aim of dominating other nations; colonialism is a specific form of it — settling and directly governing a foreign territory.
- What was the 'Scramble for Africa'?
- The rapid colonization of nearly all of Africa by European powers between roughly 1880 and 1914, dividing the continent with little regard for existing societies.
- Does imperialism still exist?
- Direct empires have largely ended, but historians and analysts debate whether forms of economic, cultural, or political dominance amount to modern imperialism.