Imperialism

Imperialism

Domination of one country by another for political, economic, and social control.

Colonialism

Establishment of colonies in foreign lands to exploit resources and markets.

Sphere of Influence

Region where one country has exclusive trade and investment rights.

White Man’s Burden

Idea that Europeans had a moral duty to civilize non-European peoples.

Social Darwinism

Belief that stronger nations were destined to dominate weaker ones, based on Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Berlin Conference

Meeting where European powers divided Africa into colonies without consulting African leaders (1884–1885).

Scramble for Africa

Rapid invasion and colonization of Africa by European nations in the late 19th century.

Opium Wars

Conflicts between Britain and China over British opium trade, resulting in Chinese concessions (1839–1842, 1856–1860).

Sepoy Rebellion

Indian soldiers revolted against British East India Company rule due to cultural insensitivity (1857).

Boxer Rebellion

Anti-foreign uprising in China aiming to expel foreign influence and missionaries (1899–1901).

Meiji Restoration

Japan’s rapid modernization and industrialization to resist Western domination (1868).

Cecil Rhodes

British imperialist who expanded British control in Africa and dreamed of a railway from Cape to Cairo.

Gandhi

Leader of India’s independence movement against British imperial rule; used nonviolent resistance.

Shaka Zulu

Leader of the Zulu Kingdom who resisted British and Boer incursions in Southern Africa.

King Leopold II

Belgian king who exploited the Congo for its resources, leading to widespread atrocities.

Matthew Perry

U.S. naval officer who forced Japan to open its ports to Western trade in 1853.

Direct Rule

Colonizing power directly controls the government of the colony.

Indirect Rule

Colonizing power governs through local rulers.

Protectorate

Local government remains in place but is controlled by a foreign power.

Extraterritoriality

Foreign residents are exempt from local laws.

Open Door Policy

U.S. policy advocating for equal trade access in China.