Why was western imperialism so successful?

Answer 1

Imperialism was successful starting in the 1500's to the middle part of the 20th century because the industrialized nations of Europe, including the Soviet Union, had the military forces to control the populations that occupied the regions they colonized. The Colonization was also successful because these nations had the money necessary to bribe any native leaders in these colonized nations. The persistence of the imperialists continued as long as it did because the Natural Resources of the nations controlled by, for the most part, European nations, funded the occupation and still sent wealth to the home countries of the the aggressors. As the USA gained strength, it became part of this imperialist movement although the USA was a "come lately" party in this. It is recognized that imperialism does not need to mean colonialism. With force or the threat of force, Western nations could control the behavior of less powerful nations. Again, to a certain extent bribery or the inferred bribery of the local leaders was a big plus in the success of imperialism. it should also be recognized that Asian nations such as Japan can also fit into the category of imperialism. In Japan's case, force was the primary weapon used.

Answer 2

They enjoy(ed) experimenting with, building, and using weapons. The nation which enjoys such pursuits, will most likely be using them...against a neighbor that doesn't have them!