Imperialism

Imperialism, policy of one country or people, usually “developed,” to extend its control or influence over other territories or peoples, usually “underdeveloped.” There are many different kinds of imperialism—political, financial, economic, military, and cultural. The justification for imperialism has been that backward countries are advanced technologically, economically, and culturally by the influence of more developed nations. However, imperialist policies have also restricted individual and national freedoms and have often exploited undeveloped natural resources and native populations.