Question

How were old imperialism and new imperialism similar?

Imperialists sought gold, cash crops, and trade goods.
Asia was a major focus of colonization.
Imperialists aimed to build large empires.
Colonies existed for the benefit of a mother country.

Answer 1

The similar statements are:
- Imperialists sought gold, cash crops, and trade goods.
- Imperialists aimed to build large empires.
- Colonies existed for the benefit of a mother country.

Brief why: Both old (mercantilist, trade- and settlement-driven) and new (late-19th-century industrial and strategic) imperialism were motivated by economic gain, national prestige/power, and the idea that colonies should serve the metropole.

The Asia statement is the least accurate as a similarity: old imperialism focused heavily on the Americas and the spice islands as well as trading posts in Asia, while new imperialism focused more intensely on Africa and parts of Asia (e.g., India, Indochina). Thus Asia was important in both periods but not equally the main focus in both.