The years 1750 through 1900 are often considered the Age of Imperialism. Within this time period, Europe and, to a lesser extent, the United States dominated the globe. Unlike today, though, such domination came not from diplomatic relations but rather either direct control or large influence of countries. Because of the prevalence of direct imperialism, spheres of influence, and economic domination, imperialism was the dominant political force of the world through the 18th and 20th centuries. The most obvious form of imperialism was that of direct control. Most often, European nations, being the most powerful in the world, practiced this form. Through this, they were able to gain control of vast amounts of land far from Europe. For instance,
