Benefits of Imperialism and Effects on European Influence

Many European nations used imperialism to establish a far flung empire that brought enormous economic benefits to said European nation. It gave European nations access to a wealth of new resources and allowed them to dominate trade in many markets while supplying them with cheap goods. Colonies also allowed the ruling nation's naval forces to dominate the seas in that region and build their naval power allowing them to dominate the region. The map below shows various European sea empires in the 1700's.