World History: Intro to Modern Africa—Imperialism

Flashcards covering the key vocabulary and concepts related to the Age of Imperialism (1870–1914) and its impact on Africa.

Imperialism

Domination by one country or people over another group of people.

Old Imperialism

European nations sought trade routes with the Far East, explored the New World, and established settlements in North and South America as well as in Southeast Asia.

New Imperialism

European states established vast empires mainly in Africa, but also in Asia and the Middle East, setting up the administration of the native areas for the benefit of the colonial power.

Second Industrial Revolution

Period between 1870 and 1914, which quickened the pace of change as science, technology, and industry spurred economic growth in Europe.

Mercantilism

Economic theory that colonies could serve as a source of wealth for the colonizing power.

Victorian Era

Period from 1837 to 1901 when Great Britain became an industrial giant.

Social Darwinism

The application of 'survival of the fittest' to human societies and nations, fostering imperialistic expansion by proposing that some people were more fit (advanced) than others.

The White Man’s Burden

A poem by Rudyard Kipling that expressed the idea that Europeans had a moral obligation to civilize the uncivilized.

Suez Canal

Shortened the sea route from Europe to South Africa and East Asia and was a lifeline to India for the British Empire.

Berlin Conference (1884–1885)

Established the principle that European occupation of African territory had to be based on effective occupation that was recognized by other states, and that no single European power could claim Africa.

Boer War (1899–1902)

Conflict in which the British defeated the Boers and annexed their republics, leading to the Union of South Africa in 1910 and laying the foundation for racial segregation (Apartheid).

Cecil Rhodes

British diamond mine millionaire and prime minister of the Cape Colony who wanted to extend the British African Empire from Cape Town to Cairo.