Hi There! :)
What are some characteristics to imperialism
olonialism is the establishment, maintenance, acquisition and expansion of colonies in one territory by people from another territory. In other words, Colonialism is a relationship between an indigenous (or forcibly imported) majority and a minority of foreign invaders for territorial expansion. Since a colony is part of an empire and so colonialism is closely related to imperialism. The initial assumption is that colonialism and imperialism are interchangeable, however Robert Young suggests that imperialism is the concept while colonialism is the practice.
You have to study the motive behind imperialism to derive the characteristic of imperialism.
The main motives:
1. Political- motives based on a nations desire to gain power, to compete with other countries, to gain prestige from winning colonies, and to boost national pride.
2. Religious- motives included the desire to spread Christianity, to protect missionaries, to educate natives, and to end the slave trade.
3. Ideological- motive based on cultural values such as the white race was superior and other cultures were "primitive." Europeans should civilize other people, religion, government, etc.
4. Military- motives based on the expansion of strategic territory and the ability to exercise military force.
5. Economic- motives based on desire to make money and expand foreign trade. Europeans wanted to open new markets, acquire raw materials, and cheap labor to aid their industrialization and scientific research
In many cases, the main characteristic of imperialism is highest stage of capitalism.