third way to determine how many equivalent protons there are is to look at the atom attached to. the proton (usually a carbon) and observe what that atom is bonded to, and then the atom bonded. to that, all the way until a difference is observed.
The goal of imperialism is  to exercise economic and political control over a dependent territory. Such control is often accomplished through settlement, sovereignty or less direct methods.
Imperialism, state policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion, especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control of other areas.