The most significant distinction of an empire is the amount of land that a nation has conquered and expanded. Political power grows from conquering land. Economic and cultural influences spread as much by sea. European development caused the world to be divided.
Imperialism has been used to describe one's perceived superiority, domination and influence upon a person or a group of people. Imperialism involves the practice, theory, and attitudes of a dominating or ruling territory. It is the dictation of political and economic advantage.