What is imperialism?

Imperialism is when a stronger nation controls a weaker nation politically and economically. Many countries were imperialistic by 1900 including the United States and Great Britain.

There were several reasons why countries were imperialistic. One reason was to help their economy. Countries that established colonies were able to get raw materials cheaper from their colonies than by purchasing them from other countries. Additionally, these countries had a guaranteed market where they could sell their products.

Another reason was to expand a country’s political and military power. Having colonies allowed a country to have bases around the world that could be used in time of war. These colonies could also serve as ports where their ships could get resupplied. By having colonies, countries had more political power and more military power.

Colonies also allowed a country to protect its trade. Without colonies, it is more difficult for a country to protect its world trade. The colonies could serve as spots where ships can operate and stay in order to protect the merchant marine if needed.

Some countries wanted colonies because they wanted to spread their way of living. They believed their way of living was better than the way of living in the colonies. They felt it was their obligation to spread their way of living to improve the lives of people living in their colonies.