Imperialism is a turn-based strategy game set in the nineteenth century. You take on the role of one of the Great Powers of the world, as you set out to build your Empire through conquest and diplomacy. Your country does not have the resources to be self-sufficient; therefore, trade is a crucial part of the game. The world market runs on a supply and demand system. You can only buy what other countries are willing to sell you. This makes diplomacy important--you can use treaties, trade subsidies, and outright bribery to become the favored trade partner of suppliers of important resources. Building a strong economy, with a steady supply of resources and a steady output of finished goods and troops, is the key to world domination.