What is imperialism? Discuss the factors which led to the rise of imperialism.

The practice of establishing a country's rule and dominance over the economic and political life of people of another country is called Imperialism. The imperialist country is called the Mother Country whereas the subjugated country is called a Colony.

The factors which led to the rise of imperialism are given below:

1. Surplus Production – European industries produced more goods than could be sold locally, prompting colonies as new markets.
2. Need for Raw Materials – Colonies supplied raw materials for European industries.
3. Modern Transportation & Communication – Steamships, railways, telegraphs, and posts made it easier to conquer and control colonies.
4. Population Pressure – Rapid population growth in Europe created a need for new territories to settle surplus population.
5. Industrial Capitalism – Merchants, traders, and bankers sought new markets and investment opportunities.
6. Christian Missionaries – Spread of Christianity supported imperial expansion.
7. Geographical Explorations – Discoveries of new lands in Asia, Africa, and America facilitated imperialism.