Is imperialism a stepping stone to democracy?

Answer 1

I see no reason to believe that Imperialism would be a stepping stone to democracy. Democratic ideals do not rely on significant land mass or population. Actually a smaller population and area is more suitable to a pure democracy. In a pure democracy every individual has a say in the government. Every law or change in government is voted on by the entire population. If you are referring to a Democratic-Republic (United States type of government) then the expansion of the nation did not hinder the government but has not helped it either. In most cases rapid expansion from imperialsim only adds to the strain on any government, making it difficult to enforce national policy.