This document summarizes the beginnings and basic structures of imperialism. It describes the age of exploration leading Europeans to race for overseas colonies for commerce and trade. The "old imperialism" from the 1500s-1700s saw England, France, Holland, Portugal, and Spain fighting over colonies. The "new imperialism" beginning in 1875 saw a renewed race for colonies, driven by the needs of industrialized nations for new markets and raw materials, as well as nationalism. New imperialism involved economic control rather than direct rule, using spheres of influence. Motives included markets, resources, investments, nationalism, military bases, surplus populations, religion, and justifications like social Darwinism and racism.