Had the game a long time ago..Seems like it took forever to figure it out..Hard to learn?

Not at all. I'm in the process of writing a guide to help people along with it, but it's been my experience that people who aren't improving are underestimating the value of industrial and diplomatic growth. You HAVE to court at least 2 minor nations if you want to have the resources and income to compete in the harder difficulties. You have to overgrow your labor force and industrial capacity.

Also, most people tend to treat it like a standard 4X game, where everything leads to a massive military that parade-stomps the planet. In Imperialism this is not the case. Military units cost money to keep up, and it's far better to keep a large reserve labor force, capital, and supplies to build a massive army right when you need it and not before.

All in all, it's a simple game, but you have to take the time to recognize the importance of the systems in order to blow through Nigh on Impossible.

Indeed, having a colony at the start is a must for your cashflow. Have your workers trained.
Later on the navy becomes important as you can starve others by blockades (prefer the superfast merchant ship in case you get blocked). Land big guns did only work in defense for me.

The Mechanics of the game are not that hard, but the strategy is tough.
The main thing is balance. Unlike some strategy games, you really need to find a balance between economic, military and political resources. The tricky thing is there is no easy formula, you have to keep adjusting as circumstances change.
There are a few websites with hints for the game. Imperiaism does have a cult following.

Buying now..Thanks!!