WordGarden.ioimperialism
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmpˈiərɪəlˌɪzəm/
US
- /ˌɪmˈpɪriəˌlɪzəm/
Meanings
Noun
a policy or system of extending a country's power over other peoples or territories
Beyond the definition
Imagine one country believing it has the right to control other places. That is a simple way to think about imperialism. It happens when a powerful nation extends its rule over other countries or regions through colonization, military force, or economic pressure. Think of the British Empire spreading across the world or ancient Rome taking over large areas. It is not only about taking land; it is also about changing local cultures and economies to help the stronger power.
The word comes from the idea of an "empire," so at its core it is about building and keeping control over a wide area, often at the expense of other people. It is closely tied to history, but its effects can still be seen today. You will often hear it in discussions of historical wars, colonialism, and modern global politics.
Imperialism is a policy or ideology in which a country extends its rule over other territories and peoples, often by establishing colonies and controlling important resources. It is more than just military conquest; it also involves political, economic, and cultural domination. While the word may bring to mind historical powers like the Roman Empire or the British Empire, it is not only a thing of the past.
Historically, imperialism was driven by a mix of factors: the search for raw materials, the desire for new markets, the need for strategic military locations, and a belief in national superiority, often tied to ideas about race or religion. This led to colonization, where powerful nations established settlements and controlled indigenous populations. A classic example is the "Scramble for Africa" in the 19th century, when European powers divided much of the continent and imposed their languages, laws, and economic systems on local societies.
However, imperialism does not always require direct military occupation. It can take more subtle forms, such as economic imperialism, where a dominant country controls another country's economy through trade agreements, sanctions, or debt. There is also cultural imperialism, where a dominant nation's values, beliefs, and lifestyle are imposed on others or widely adopted, often pushing local traditions into the background.
Today, the term is often used to criticize power imbalances in global politics. Some scholars argue that globalization can act as a form of "neo-imperialism," with powerful multinational corporations and international organizations exerting significant control over developing nations. Understanding imperialism means seeing it as a broad pattern with deep historical roots and ongoing consequences, shaping not just the borders on maps but also the cultures, economies, and international relations of the modern world.
Examples
- 1
Colonial history
In the 19th century, European imperialism reshaped much of Africa and Asia.
- 2
Independence movements
Many independence movements grew in direct response to imperialism.
- 3
Resource control
Smaller nations accused the superpower of imperialism after it took control of local resources.
- 4
Film criticism
The film was criticized for presenting cultural imperialism as progress.
- Phrasecultural imperialism
spreading one culture in a way that pushes aside others
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Debt policy
Some activists see unfair debt policies as a new form of economic imperialism.
- Phraseeconomic imperialism
control through money, trade, or debt rather than direct rule
See also
Similar
- expansionism
- empire-building
Shades of meaning
- colonialism
- neocolonialism
- hegemony
Contrast
- self-determination
- sovereignty
Used with (collocations)
- economic imperialism
- cultural imperialism
- Western imperialism
Word family
Explore
- empire
- postcolonialism
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- imperialismnoun