How are empires formed? (Ten Points for Best)?

Question: How are empires formed!? (Ten Points for Best)!?

Can you please give me specific historical examples of the formations of empires!? How and why are they formed!? Do they continue to exist or are they replaced!?

Which came first, the empire or the nation!?

Best answer will receive ten points promptly!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Nations come before empires!. Empires are usually formed when a nation gains political or economic hegemony over another nation!. In a sense empires continue to exist to this day, especially according to revisionist historians!. The "American Empire," for example, heavily influences the economies of many third world nations!.

Check out The Tragedy of American Diplomacy by William Appleman Williams!.Www@QuestionHome@Com