In the 1600's Imperialism was based around colonization in the Americas and establishing trade in the east. During this period the Americas were being colonized intensely by the Europeans that were racing to gain as much land and prestige as possible. In the east, however, the main goal was to reach the Spice Islands (modern day Indonesia) and establish trade routes for the spices the Europeans desperately craved. Comparatively, in the 1900's Imperialism consisted of taking up land in places such as India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This was done in a "mission to civilize" meaning it was less about economics and now a more political and racial element were used to justify European conquest.
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The major change in imperialism between the 1600 and the 1900 was the shift from dominance in trade and business relationships (ports of call, maritime dominance, shipping and trading) to a physical presence by colonial powers in Asia and Africa. The physical occupation of territory by European powers led to aggressive efforts to reshape social, political, cultural and economic institutions in countries colonized by them
