The Apex of Global Empire Building

Imperialism

The domination of overseas territories by European, United States, or Japanese powers.

Cecil John Rhodes

A key figure who gained wealth by exploiting African labor in diamond mines during the imperialism period.

Resource Acquisition

The need for raw materials, such as rubber and oil, for industrialization during the period of imperialism.

Market Expansion

The desire to find new markets for manufactured goods as a motive for imperialism.

Doctrine of Lapse

A policy that allowed the British to take territories of Indian kings who could not produce a male heir.

Assimilation Policies

Policies aimed at making colonized people adopt European ways of life, including language and legal systems.

Indirect Rule

A colonial governance system where local leaders maintained authority under European oversight.

Sati

A historical Hindu practice that was forcibly eliminated by British colonial rule.

White Man's Burden

The belief that Western nations had a duty to civilize colonized peoples.

Berlin Conference

A meeting in 1884-1885 where European nations divided Africa into territories, often disregarding local populations.

Boer War

Conflict between British forces and Afrikaners in South Africa, characterized by guerrilla warfare.

Open Door Policy

A U.S. policy aimed at ensuring equal trading rights in China and preventing European monopolies.

Platt Amendment

An amendment that allowed the U.S. to control Cuba's foreign policy after the Spanish-American War.

Great Game

The strategic rivalry and conflict between British and Russian empires for dominance in Central Asia.

Telegraph

A communication technology that allowed for rapid transmission of messages, critical during military operations.

Ethnic Tensions

Conflicts arising from arbitrary borders created by colonial powers, leading to post-colonial instability.

Nationalism

A political movement where colonized peoples sought independence and self-rule from imperial powers.

Exploitation

The act of using labor and resources of colonized people to benefit imperial powers economically.