Origin of Imperialism Although the earliest examples of imperialism can be traced back to the third millennium BC empires of Assyria and Babylon, the modern concept of imperialism arose in the 17th century with the rise in European colonialism. The word ‘ Imperialism ’ comes from the Latin word “imperium”, which means ‘sovereign power’ or simply ‘rule’. Often imperialism is associated with the word colonialism, but historians have always argued that although the two are closely ... " Imperialism " was and is mainly used to refer to Western and Japanese political and economic dominance, especially in Asia and Africa, in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its precise meaning continues to be debated by scholars. Defining imperialism Imperialism refers to the domination of another country through either territorial acquisition, or by gaining economic and political power. The word is often used interchangeably with the term “colonialism,” however the two are not synonymous. Put simply, colonialism refers to the acquisition of another country (usually by force) and the economic exploitation of its resources. Imperialism is often achieved through colonization. As Satyaki Roy explains, imperialism is ...
