Imperialism, a policy where a nation extends its control over foreign territories, often by military force, colonization, or economic dominance, was a defining feature of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The period known as the «New Imperialism,» which began in the late 19th century, saw European powers, along with the United States and Japan, aggressively expanding their empires. This expansion was driven by a mix of economic interests, political ambitions, and cultural motives. The competition for colonies, resources, and influence among the great powers eventually contributed to the tensions that exploded into the First World War.

The Roots of Imperialism