"New" Imperialism (19th-20th Centuries)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts, dates, key figures, and treaties of 19th- and 20th-century "New" Imperialism in India and Africa.

Imperialism

The practice of extending the power of a nation over other countries or people through force, diplomacy, or economic incentives.

British Slavery Abolition Act

An 1863 act marking the abolition of slavery, which served as a major factor initiating the period of "New" Imperialism.

"Paternalistic Duty"

A European ideological motivation for imperial expansion grounded in notions of European superiority and a perceived obligation to oversee other peoples.

Suez Canal

A waterway opened in 1869 that shortened maritime transit between London and Mumbai from 12,300 miles (19,800 kilometers) around Africa to 7,200 miles (11,600 kilometers).

East India Company

A privately chartered organization that maintained indirect rule in India from 1600 to 1858, using its own military to collect taxes and holding monopolies over indigo, textiles, salt, minerals, and spices.

Sepoy Mutiny

An 1857–58 military uprising against East India Company rule in India that led to the abolition of the Company and the transition to direct British governance.

British Raj

The period of direct British imperial governance in India established after the East India Company was abolished, utilizing an "Indian Elite" of princes and civil servants and discouraging missionary work.

"Scramble for Africa"

The period of rapid territorial colonisation across Africa between 1800 and 1950, driven by European competition for resources, nationalism, and missionary activity.

Racial Ideologies of Imperialism

Hierarchical theories asserting European supremacy and a mission to "civilize" other populations, which were used to justify imperial subjugation and control.

Treaty of Berlin, 1884

An international agreement that established borders in Africa without regard to linguistic or ethnic affinities, banned the importation of firearms, and recognized colonial claims based on treaties or conquest.

King Leopold II

The King of Belgium who organized the International African Association in 1876 and secured personal control over the Congo Basin territory via the 1884 Treaty of Berlin.

International African Association

An organization established in 1876 by King Leopold II to facilitate the exploration of the Congo River Basin and the "civilization" of its native populations.

Henry Morton Stanley

The explorer tasked with securing territorial treaties in the Congo River Basin on behalf of King Leopold II.

Congo "Free State"

A colonial territory established in 1885 under the personal rule of King Leopold II, heavily exploited for the extraction of rubber, palm oil, and ivory.