- With imperialism, the idea of changing a country drives the practice, or intent, of doing so. A ruler such as a dictator in a country may create an empire in her own country, then decide to spread her ideas or way of ruling to another country or territory. Thus, imperialism refers to creating an empire, expanding it into surrounding countries or regions. Although imperialism doesn't occur while conquering a country, it does happen afterwards. For example, when a dominating country exercises power -- either through, settlement, indirect control or through sovereignty -- it is using imperialism.
- Colonialism involves the practice of one country conquering and then ruling over another country or territory. The dominating country and its people enter the new area altering the conquered country. The dominating country may build and maintain new colonies, or areas, for its residents. Another way a dominating country rules is through changing the social structure such as making existing residents subordinate to new residents or through economic structure. If a dominating country uses economics, it exploits the resources of the conquered country for its own benefit instead of selling or trading the resources.
- Another way to differentiate between colonialism and imperialism is through their origins. Colonialism began when Europeans started venturing outside their country to pursue trade with other nations. In fact, colonialism's history began in the 15th century and evolved from the Latin word "colonus," for farmers. Imperialism began with the Romans. Imperialism, which is a Latin word meaning "command," started from an individual's pursuit, not the intent to trade with other countries.
- No specific or uniform reason exists for a country deciding to conquer another. Thus, colonialism occurs just for the benefit of the conqueror. Another way to understand colonialism is through settlement. With colonialism, the dominating country makes a new settlement in an existing area similar to the way Europeans settled in North America or New Zealand. Colonialism can become imperialism because the conquered citizens can -- in the long term -- assume traits or beliefs of the dominating country.