Imperialism Whether for economic, nationalist, or humanitarian reasons, more powerful nations have often interfered with the affairs of weaker nations. These more powerful nations, including the United States, Britain, and several European countries, have in the past exploited less fortunate ones for resources, capital, and knowledge. Yet in return countries located in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia have gained the technology and capital that, over a period of time and development, improves their quality of life. One point of view could be that imperialism results in oppression and abuse. While this is sometimes a temporary side effect of larger nations ado