The imperialist movement of the late nineteenth century has been
called the New Imperialism, in recognition of its several novel features. Like earlier
imperialism, the new movement involved a policy of extending a nation’s authority by
territorial hegemony over others. Unlike their predecessors, the New Imperialists did not
seek to settle their overseas land with people, nor did they remain content with mere
establishment of trading posts, however. They sought to transform the entire economy and
culture of the dominated area to their own profit, and to that end, assumed legal or factual
political control. Other novelties included the great speed with which European expansion
proceeded and the way in which participation in it came to be deemed necessary in order to
retain authority as a great power.