Chapter 27 : The Age of Imperialism Under imperialism, Western nations sought to establish colonies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. They sought the raw materials and new markets these new colonies would offer them. Feelings of cultural and racial superiority influenced Western nations to impose their cultures on the subject lands. Using military power or the threat of it, they claimed large areas of China as spheres of influence—areas in which they would have exclusive trading rights. The United States forced the Japanese to open their doors to trade. Changes instituted by Japanese leaders transformed Japan into a modern industrial nation. American forces also intervened in Latin American affairs when either government policies or social unrest threatened American interests. The Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) was the first major social upheaval in modern Latin America.