Imperialism
A policy or ideology of extending a country's rule over foreign nations
Real World Example
In ancient history, particularly during the Roman Republic and Empire (509 BC-476 AD), imperialism was the strategy of expanding Rome’s control over vast territories and diverse peoples, including the spread of Christianity. This expansion helped Rome gain wealth, resources, and military power, which were essential for maintaining its dominance and addressing threats from neighboring tribes and empires. The spread of Christianity within this framework allowed the religion to grow as Roman influence reached across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Today, the legacy of imperialism can be seen in cultural influences, languages, and borders that originated from these historical expansions. For instance, many people around the world speak languages like Spanish, French, or English due to the imperial histories of Spain, France, and Britain, shaping cultural identities and global interactions even today.
