Modern World History - Imperialism

Imperialism

A policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate other countries politically, socially, and economically.

King Leopold II

King of Belgium (r. 1865-1909) who encouraged the exploration of Central Africa and became the ruler of the Congo Free State.

Belgian Congo

Exploited by Leopold II, the Belgian Congo was supposed to be a trust territory but was stripped of its resources.

Nationalism

A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's country.

Social Darwinism

19th century belief that evolutionary ideas theorized by Charles Darwin could be applied to society.

Cecil Rhodes

A financier, statesman, and empire builder who played a major role in colonial South Africa.

Missionaries

People sent out to carry a religious message and convert non-Christians to Christianity.

Westernize

To modernize or make your country more like European countries.

Maxim Gun

The first automatic machine gun, which allowed conquest of the interior of Africa.

Malaria

An infectious disease caused by a parasite transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Quinine

A drug used for fighting malaria and other fevers.

Scramble for Africa

Term given for the rapid invasion of Africa by various European powers.

Berlin Conference

(1884-1885) Meeting where European leaders discussed plans for dividing Africa peacefully.

Cash Crops

Crops such as tobacco, sugar, and cotton raised in large quantities to be sold for profit.

Boer War

(1899-1902) War between Great Britain and the Boers in South Africa over control of rich mining country.

Indirect Control

Style of imperial control using local government officials; limited self-rule to develop future leaders.

Direct Control

Used by French and other Europeans in Africa; aimed at assimilation with no self-rule.

Sphere of Influence

A foreign region in which a nation has control over trade and other economic activities.

Economic Imperialism

Less developed nations controlled by private business interests instead of by other governments.

Geopolitics

An interest in or taking of land for its strategic location or products.

Suez Canal

A human-made waterway opened in 1869, connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

British East India Company

A joint stock company that controlled most of India during the period of imperialism.

Sepoy

Indian soldiers serving under British officers in the British East India Company army.

Jewel in the Crown

The British colony of India, important both as a supplier of raw materials and a market.

Sepoy Rebellion

The revolt of Indian soldiers in 1857 against practices violating religious customs.

Raj

British rule over India during Queen Victoria's reign (1858-1947).

Queen Victoria

British Queen under whom the British empire reached its height of wealth and power.

Opium

A narcotic from the poppy plant, used in pain relievers and illegal drugs.

Opium Wars

Two wars between Great Britain and China over the opium trade between 1839 and 1860.

Extraterritorial Rights

Rights where foreigners are not subjected to the laws of the host country.

Open Door Policy

A policy proposed by the US in 1899 for equal trading rights in China.

Boxer Rebellion

A 1900 revolt in China aimed at ending foreign influence in the country.

Treaty of Kanagawa

A treaty between the U.S. and Japan allowing two U.S. ports to open for trade.

Meiji Era

Period from 1867 to 1912 when Japan modernized and strengthened its economy and military.

Sino-Japanese War

(1894-1895) Japan's war against China for control of natural resources and markets.

Russo-Japanese War

(1904-1905) War between Russia and Japan over Korea and Manchuria, with Japanese victory.