Answer: Imperialism in 1850 is a word that can be used only in the case of Britain, France and perhaps Portugal (but Portugal, in spite of having some overseas territories, was not able to control them totally and have there only few white people, it was a very week colonialism). In 1850s "imperialism" did not include Germany whereas in 1914 one of the most important factors of world imperialism was German imperialism. Moreover, in 1914, it was quite evident that Portugal did not constitute significant player in the world imperialism. What makes the difference as well is the degree of industrialization in European countries, i.e. their ability to explore and make use of their colonies.
Explanation: In 1850s there is an important factor that plays a significant role in all colonial powers ...Social Darwinism, racial theories. In 1914 these theories play the same role, perhaps more significant (southers countries of Europe like Portugal, Spain, France are considered decadent empires). But in 1914 there is a tendency 1) to eliminate "decadent" or "old" colonial powers (Spain had no more overseas colonies, Portugal was viewed as decadent), 2) industrial countries like Germany and England are able to make use effectively their colonies. Portugal (Angola and Mozambique in Africa) was not taken very seriously in 1914.
