What would make an empire capable of world conquest?

Kind of a complicated question. What would a empire need for it to be able to conquer the world? I'm not talking about an OTL empire, I'm talking from a perspective of a theoretical one. There's a reason why some empires and nations are able to expand rapidly and some aren't. So what would an empire have to be like if it were to be given a shot at expanding across the world. What are the "all-star" traits needed for an empire to have a chance?
 
An overwhelming manpower base coupled with a militant/jingoistic people that are urbanized and more technologically advanced than their competitors. Think Mongols meets Rome with a hint of Prussia mixed in. :eek: That would be a sight to see.
 
I think an important trait is the capacity of aglutination and to forge a sentiment of community, as happened with the first Caliphate (through spread of Islam).

Of course, a good military organization as well as an efficient administration.
 
Kind of a complicated question. What would a empire need for it to be able to conquer the world? I'm not talking about an OTL empire, I'm talking from a perspective of a theoretical one. There's a reason why some empires and nations are able to expand rapidly and some aren't. So what would an empire have to be like if it were to be given a shot at expanding across the world. What are the "all-star" traits needed for an empire to have a chance?

The world or the known world?

I'd say it's highly unlikely pre-1900 for the former. The latter is more doable, but even Alexander had to stop somewhere. The big problem is that before the modern era, most Empires' fates were tied to the ruler, and after his death centrifugal forces would overcome the centripetal ones and result in dissolution or reduction is size. Obviously there are exceptions, like the early Caliphates and Rome, but by and large, the Empires would fall well before they can subjugate the world.

As for the modern era, it would be simple. Get a jingoistic power, give them nukes, give them a monopoly on nukes, and let them go wild. They'd probably control the entire world for as long as they have the monopoly.
 

Memphis

Banned
Give them huge wealth from Industry

And a massive population that's well educated and free to think and develop

All united for one goal and have the same belief system

Make people want to join them

And a lot of land to start off with

Sounds like anything from OTL?
 
There are tons of annoying reasons it DIDN'T happen.

Conquering is annoying, terribly SLOW. And cultures only stay able to conquer a few centuries. Rome

Tech only fast enough to get fast conquering (kinda, kinda) since ww2 because bomber airplanes finally got good.

All it takes is ONE annoying liberal in power to deimperialize because Empire's evil. That happened to ALL the recent and so, biggest empires.

It's a good question.
 
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Telegraphs are good, but PROBABLY not necessary. I THINK you could manage with semaphore systems, rail and steamboats.

I think that telegraphs are necessary for some of the overseas parts of any eire that tried to take over the world because with an undersea line news could be recieved in minutes and react accordingly. Even with steam ships that could take some time in which things unravel quickly enough to be unstoppable.
 
Ability to swiftly assimilate new people, equality among all subjects in all areas, rapid communication, and the political as well as the military strength to do it.
 

jahenders

Banned
Pre-1900 the whole world was likely impossible because it would fall apart as quickly as it was gained.

However, for some group to conquer most of the known world they'd need:
- Fairly large and well populated
- Fairly good technology and ability to rapidly incorporate new technologies
- Strong cohesive/homogenous belief system
- Good communication system
- Good method for selection regional rulers who could operate on their own, but whose loyalty was ensured
- Ability to incorporate other peoples into their system society
- Good system for choosing successors without civil war or conflicts amongst regional rulers

The same characteristics, coupled with fast transportation and much better communication makes it more likely after 1920 or so.
 
Pangaea

That's it. Make for the world's super-continent to survive intact. No Antarctica, Australia, or Americas to remain isolated from any empires pre-Age of Sail. After that, the various peoples of the world are too numerous to conquer.

Problem: Do that, and you are doing away with Humanity, so so much for that idea.:rolleyes:
 
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