Solution

The Lie group–Lie algebra correspondence separates local differential structure from global topology. For a Lie group $G$, define $LG=T_{e}G$ as a real vector space. Extend each $X\in T_{e}G$ to the left-invariant vector fieldThe commutator of two such vector fields is again left-invariant. SetThe vector-field commutator is bilinear, antisymmetric and satisfies the Jacobi identity, so this makes $T_{e}G$ a Lie algebra. For a matrix group this bracket is $XY-YX$.

For a smooth Lie group homomorphism $\varphi :G_1\to G_2$, its differential at the identity is the linear mapThe identity $\varphi \circ L_g=L_{\varphi (g)}\circ \varphi$ shows that the corresponding left-invariant fields are $\varphi$-related. Brackets of related vector fields are related, henceThe chain rule also gives $L(\psi \circ \varphi )=L\psi \circ L\varphi$ and $L(\mathrm{id})=\mathrm{id}$. Thus differentiation is a functor from Lie groups and smooth homomorphisms to real Lie algebras and bracket-preserving linear maps.

To see what information the differential retains, apply $\varphi$ to a one-parameter subgroup. Its initial tangent is $L\varphi (X)$, so uniqueness yieldsIf $G_1$ is connected, a small exponential neighbourhood generates it. Every $g\in G_1$ is a finite product $\exp X_1\cdots \exp X_k$, and thereforeFor an already existing homomorphism this expression is independent of the chosen product because it equals $\varphi (g)$. Two homomorphisms with the same differential agree on that neighbourhood and hence everywhere. This proves that a Lie group homomorphism determined by its differential requires a connected source.

On a disconnected source only the restriction to $G_1^{\circ }$ is determined. For instance a nontrivial finite discrete group has zero Lie algebra, so its identity and trivial endomorphisms have the same zero differential but are different maps. The discussion of all components must therefore include additional global data. The remaining parts explain the corresponding existence and topology conditions.