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Apuntes

•Definition of Imperialism Imperialism refers to the policy or ideology of extending a nation's power and dominion, often through territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control over other countries. European powers, along with the United States and Japan, sought to expand their empires during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. •Background (16th-18th century) Initially, European nations looked for new trading opportunities and exploited mercantilism—a system aimed at increasing wealth through trade at the expense of others. The goal was to limit import costs and boost exports, enabling the accumulation of gold and silver, and creating lucrative markets for European goods, such as in the slave trade. This system declined in the 18th century. •Economic and Political Motives Mercantilism was costly; maintaining control over overseas possessions and protecting trade routes drained funds. Britain fought wars to retain North America, keeping Canada but losing independence for the USA. Spain's empire in Latin America collapsed, with Brazil gaining independence from Portugal in 1827. New economic theories, like those of Adam Smith, argued that a nation...