Imperialism, or the conquest of one set of people by another, is as old as humankind. Yet even the greatest past conquerors never dreamed of subduing the entire world. There were two waves of European imperialism, the Age of Sail (1450–1850) and Age of Steam (1850–1950). Europeans could never have sailed to the world's far endswithout new navigational devices like the compass and sex- tant, and new ship and rigging designs. The need to navi- gate tempestuous waters like the North Sea, Bay of Biscay,and Atlantic Ocean for hardy fishermen required tough, well-built, ocean-going ships.
1. How does the author define Imperialism?
2.What were the two waves of Imperialism?
3.How did technology enable Europe to begin its imperial expansion?
4.What were the three factors that allowed European dominance over conquered lands?
5.What was a major weakness of the Spanish Empire?
6.How did Europeans justify their expansion?
