Historical Perspectives: did economics drive imperialism? Why or why not?

Yes, economics has driven imperialism.

Explanation:

The popular definition of imperialism is the control and expansion of a nation's authority over another nation through military force. It is the process of controlling another nation's political and economical spheres by a stronger nation.

According to historical perspective, imperialism was driven by the motive to acquire wealth and resources from other nations. The Europeans powers set out to expand its influence in the third world countries to control over their resources and trade. This was mostly done through military force and other political strategies. Through this motive, they gradually got hold of the natives' land as well as their political and economical control.

The Industrial Movement in England and Europe was also another factor that led to imperialism. These countries started to produce more than they can consume so they needed a market to sell their products. Thus, imperialist expansion became a way for these powers to sell their products to other nations.