 Imperialism is the quest to build an empire.  Economic, political, or military may be used.

 The Roman Empire  French, Spanish, and English colonies  Great Britain: “The sun never sets on the British Empire.”

 Increase trade by providing new markets for manufactured goods.  Gain sources for raw materials  Secure military advantages  Increase prestige  Share religious and cultural beliefs

Influential Imperialists  Frederick Jackson Turner  historian who believed it was the destiny of Americans to spread democratic government, ideals, and way of life  “Frontier Thesis”  Alfred Thayer Mahan  Naval historian  Wrote The Influence of Sea Power Upon History,  Need a larger navy to make the empire “contiguous”