Social Studies Vocab Quiz

Imperialism

The policy of one country’s political, economic, or cultural domination over other lands and territories.

Social Darwinism

The application of Darwin’s ideas about natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies.

Direct Rule

Reflected the European belief that colonial people were incapable of ruling themselves.

Indirect Rule

Local rulers had only limited power and didn’t influence government decisions.

Protectorate

Local rulers were left in place but were expected to follow the advice of European advisers on issues such as trade or missionary activity.

Sphere of influence

An area in which an outside power claimed exclusive investment or trading privileges.

Paternalistic

They saw Africans as children in need of guidance.

David Livingstone

A British doctor.

Scramble for Africa

Britain, France, and Germany were pressing rival claims to the region.

Leopold II

King of Belgium hired Stanley to explore the Congo River.

Boer War

The discovery of gold and diamonds in the Boer republics led to conflict with Britain.

Elite

Upper class, emerged in both Africa and other parts of the world.