Imperialism
A policy or ideology of extending a country's rule over foreign nations
Real World Example
During The New Imperialism period from 1800-1915, powerful nations expanded their rule over weaker regions, mainly in Africa and Asia, to gain resources, markets, and power. This was important because it led to significant political and economic changes worldwide, including the development of global trade networks. Imperialism responded to the need for raw materials due to the Industrial Revolution and the desire for national prestige. Today, imperialism still affects us through the economic and political relationships that were established during that time, leading to ongoing inequalities between developed and developing countries. For example, some countries in Africa still struggle with poverty and underdevelopment partly due to the exploitative practices established during the imperialist era.