The Age of Imperialism

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Colonies

Territories controlled and ruled by a foreign power.

Protectorates

Territories that have their own government but are controlled by a foreign power.

Spheres of Influence

Areas where an outside power claims exclusive trading privileges.

Assimilation

The process of a group adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of another group.

Social Darwinism

The belief that certain nations or races are superior and destined to rule over others.

Crowned Jewel

A term often referring to India as Britain's most valuable colony due to its resources and strategic location.

Berlin Conference (1884-1885)

European nations divided Africa without consideration for African cultures or boundaries.

Scramble for Africa

Rapid invasion and colonization of African territories by European powers.

Sepoy Rebellion (1857)

A revolt by Indian soldiers against British rule due to cultural and political grievances.

Opium Wars (1839-1860)

Conflicts between China and Britain over the British trade of opium, leading to foreign control in China.

Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895)

Japan defeated China, marking its rise as a world power.

Meiji Restoration (1868)

Japan modernized and industrialized to resist Western domination.

Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901)

Chinese uprising against foreign influence, crushed by Western powers.

Japanese Expansion

Japan became an imperialist power, annexing Korea and parts of China.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

U.S. policy opposing European interference in the Americas, setting the stage for American imperialism.

American Imperialism vs. British Imperialism

The U.S. expanded its influence in the Caribbean and Pacific, while Britain maintained control over India and parts of Africa.

Rwandan Genocide (1994)

Though later in history, rooted in colonial divisions between the Hutus and Tutsis imposed by Europeans.

Hutus & Tutsis

Ethnic groups in Rwanda; divisions worsened by colonial policies led to later conflict.

East India Company

A British trading company that controlled India before full British colonization.

Indian National Congress

A political group advocating for Indian self-rule.

David Livingstone

A missionary and explorer who promoted European colonization in Africa.

Tokugawa Shogunate

The ruling government in Japan before the Meiji Restoration.

Nelson Mandela

Although from a later period, his leadership was crucial in ending apartheid, a system influenced by imperial rule.

Suez Canal

A crucial waterway connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas, controlled by Britain to maintain influence in trade.

South Africa

A region heavily impacted by British and Dutch imperialism.

Rwanda

Experienced severe ethnic tensions due to colonial rule.

India

Britain's most valuable colony, known as the 'Crowned Jewel' of the British Empire.

China

Faced foreign control and conflict through events like the Opium Wars and the Boxer Rebellion.