Imperialism was not worth the cost. Imperialism subjected the colonized peoples to exploitation, violence, and exclusion from self-determination, while the colonizers gained wealth and resources at the expense of those they colonized. The painful legacy of colonialism and imperialism, including poverty, inequality, and economic stagnation, persists in many parts of the world today. This is a stark reminder of the destructive and long-lasting effects of imperialism, negating any of its possible benefits.