Imperialism: A Tale of Politics or Economics?

Each group will take a look at the Imperialist quest and journey of 5 countries - Japan, France, England, Spain, and Germany. Through these countries we can see the different results of Imperialist efforts around the world. The big question is ...
Were the efforts of Imperialist countries success because of political strategies or economic policies (of both the countries themselves and/or corporations within those countries)?

To help you answer this question, and gather the background information needed to back-up you stand you and your group will ...
1. Create 3 maps for each country, each map showing the
    territories/colonies of that country during the periods of ...
        a. 1800-1810
        b. 1840-1860
        c. 1890-1900

2. In looking at how these maps changed, you will need to be able to answer -
        a. What changed? (did the colonies increase or decrease in number? why?)
        b. What led to this change? A matter of new political ideas, economic policies, or
            technological change?

 
3. Analyze your answers for each country, and then come to an answer (with support) for the big question. You will post your argument in answering the big question, support for your point of view, and links to the sources you used in a well organized blog post that includes your maps (which you should reference in your post).