Imperialism is a policy in which one country seeks to extend its authority/control by building/making/creating an empire. They would utilize some or all of the following; political, economic, religious, social, and intellectual control over a geographic area or areas. (PERSIA) Usually the country imperializing an area is called the "Mother Country".
It is interesting to note that India was not technically a colony. It was part of the British Empire as a protectorate since Britain controlled India under a system of the Raj which reported to the Viceroy who represented the British Crown (monarchy). We know that India was not a colony because Queen Victoria's official title in 1876 was amended to "Victoria, queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and empress of India." No colony was ever part of her title, so, we can conclude that India was not a colony and an integral part of the British Monarchy's realms.
Politically, an empire would be created by creating a colony or a protectorate by using direct or indirect control the area.
Economically, an empire would have a significant sphere of influence over investments in the area or control the trading privileges.
Religiously, an empire would convert an areas' people to the religion of the imperializing country.
Socially, an empire would provide an areas' people with their culture often claiming to "civilize" them with their morals.
Intellectually, an empire would provide an areas' people with education, art, architecture, infrastructure, science, medicine, transportation and ports among others.
All of this is done over the Area the imperializing country deems(believes) is part of their empire.
Basic Forms of Imperialism
Examples
Colony- A country or a territory governed internally by a foreign power.
Somaliland in East Africa was a French colony.
Protectorate - A country or a territory with its own internal government but under the control of an outside power.
Britain established a protectorate over the Niger River delta.
Sphere of Influence - An area in which an outside power claims exclusive investment or trading privileges.
Liberia was under the sphere of influence of the United States.
Economic Imperialism - An independent but less-developed country controlled by private business interests rather than other governments.
India controlled by the British East India Company before the monarchy took over in 1858.
Imperial Management Methods
Direct Control
Indirect Control
Local government officials used
Limited self-rule
Goal: to develop future leaders
Government institutions are based on European styles but may have local rules.
Foreign officials brought in to rule
No self-rule
Goal: assimilation
Government institutions are based only on European styles.
