Final answer:
Empires expanded their influence through military conquest, economic order, cultural tolerances, and technological advances. Military strategies differed between the early Mesopotamian empires and the later industrialized nations, with the latter also driven by market expansion. The rise and fall of empires had profound effects on economic development, with new markets and resources being essential for growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Expansion and Influence of Empires
Throughout history, empires have increased their influence through a variety of methods. The Near Eastern empires, for example, relied heavily on military conquest to impose political control over large expanses of land. This strategy is different from today's methods of creating and maintaining power, which are more often based on economic influence and diplomatic relations rather than direct military action. Industrialized nations built their empires differently, utilizing technological advancements and establishing markets through voyages of discovery.
As for the European powers spreading imperialism through Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, one reason for their rapid expansion was the combination of advanced military technology, sea navigation skills, economic motives, and nationalistic ideologies that drove their pursuits.
In the early empires of Mesopotamia, economic systems and political units were constructed that became models for later empires. However, many of these early empires were not long-lasting due to their limited reach outside of Mesopotamia. Subsequent empires learned from this and added governing techniques, beliefs, and technology to their methods of expansion to become more enduring. Great Britain and Russia are prime examples of industrialized nations competing for control over regions like Afghanistan to secure their economic interests.
Finally, the rise and fall of empires had direct impacts on economic development. City-states that grew into countries and eventually empires saw economic growth, which often deteriorated when these large empires fragmented. The pursuit of new markets and resources was crucial to fuel the economic engines of newly formed nations post-empire.