In 1914 the First World War began, a conflict partly motivated by imperial ambition. The consequent changes on Europe and the world eroded many beliefs in Imperialism, a trend enhanced by the Second World War. After 1914 the history of the European Empires – a third phase - is one of gradual decolonisation and independence, with the vast majority of empires ceasing to exist.
Given that European colonialism/imperialism affected the whole world it is common to discuss some of the other rapidly expanding nations of the period as a comparison, in particular the United States and their ideology of 'manifest destiny'. Two older empires are sometimes considered: the Asian part of Russia and the Ottoman Empire.
The Early Imperial Nations
England, France, Portugal, Spain, Denmark and the Netherlands.
The Later Imperial Nations
England, France, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
