Question

Which of the following is an accurate definition of "imperialism"?

1) Policy or action by which one country controls another country or territory; the practice of empire building.
2) Policy and belief in which the nation should build a strong military for the purpose of being capable of defending their interests or aggression against foreign powers.
3) Strong sense of attachment or belonging to one's own country; loyalty and devotion to a nation; the feeling of superiority over other nations.
4) Strong belief in a higher power to rule over their nation; the idea that all people should follow the same deity or deities, who then rules over the people with appointed officials as deemed by this higher power.

Answer 1

Imperialism is the policy or action by which a strong country controls another country or territory, often as part of empire-building endeavours. It involves the creation of an unequal relationship between nations, mainly through economic, cultural, and territorial dominance. This historical practice significantly impacted global relations and the current world map.

Step-by-step explanation:

Definition of Imperialism

The accurate definition of "imperialism" is a policy or action by which one country exercises control over another country or territory, often to extend power and increase wealth. This is done through the practice of empire building—the creation and maintenance of an unequal relationship, typically between stronger states exerting control and weaker territories or states. This form of dominance comes in the guise of economic, cultural, and territorial subordination and can take the form of direct military conquest or more subtle forms of economic influence and political control. Historically, imperialism has played a significant role in shaping global relations and the current geopolitical landscape, seen in the vast empires of the 19th century where European powers controlled large parts of the world.

During the late 19th century, industrialized nations pursued imperialism to secure raw materials, establish markets for their goods, and find new areas for capital investment. Nations such as Britain, France, and Russia expanded their empires aggressively, often justifying their actions with a sense of cultural superiority and a duty to civilize and Christianize the inhabitants of their colonies. The legacy of these imperialistic policies is still evident today in the form of national borders, international relations, and economic systems established during that period.