In general, yes it is true that increased competition for power among European states and led to imperialism, but first it led to nationalism, which then led to imperialism, since nationalism inspired far more pride.
Imperialism is an ideology of extending a nation´s rule over foreign nations. Usually, the control is obtained by military forces or political and economic control.
With the colonization of the Americas between the 15th and 19th century, the European powers began to compete between themselves to see who could get more control in the new territory with vast and rich full resources.
