Economic Imperialism (1750-1900)

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to economic imperialism between 1750 and 1900, derived from the provided lecture notes.

Economic Imperialism

A situation in which foreign business interests have great economic power or influence, often exploiting natural resources.

East India Company

Established in 1600 to engage in the spice trade and later became significant in cotton and silk textiles.

Culture System

A system implemented by the Dutch government in Indonesia where farmers had to choose between growing cash crops for export or performing compulsory unpaid labor.

Opium Trade

Trade where British exchanged opium for Chinese silver, leading to widespread addiction and economic consequences in China.

Treaty of Nanjing

A treaty that ended the Opium War, requiring China to open ports to foreign trade and cede Hong Kong to Britain.

Spheres of Influence

Areas where different foreign nations had exclusive trading rights within China.

Open Door Policy

A U.S. proposal to ensure equal trading rights in China for all nations.

Cash Crops

Agricultural products grown for sale rather than for personal consumption; a key aspect of economic imperialism.

Banana Republics

Small Central American countries economically dominated by foreign corporations, often leading to political instability.

Monroe Doctrine

U.S. policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas, stating that Latin America was the U.S. sphere of influence.