History Test 2/25/25 - Imperialism

Colonialism

A system in which one country takes control of the political and economic affairs of another nation and imposes policies to control the population.

Scramble for Africa

Refers to the period of rapid colonization of the African continent by European powers from 1884 to 1960.

Berlin Conference (1884-1885)

A meeting where representatives from 14 countries came together to regulate European colonization and trade in Africa, without African representation.

Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Africa

Provided European countries with financial resources, professional armies, and advancements in medicine, transportation, and weaponry, facilitating the conquest of African nations.

Cultural effects of colonialism in Africa

Included the imposition of European languages, beliefs of racism, loss of rights for African women, and the spread of Christianity.

Economic effects of colonialism in Africa

Reorganized economies to focus on cash crops for export, low wages for African workers, and significant European control over local economies.

Political effects of colonialism in Africa

Included the arbitrary drawing of new boundaries, grouping of rival groups, and establishment of less democratic governments compared to Europe.

Racism in colonial Africa

The belief that Africans needed to be 'civilized' by European nations, influencing colonial policies and attitudes.

Cash crops

Crops such as peanuts, cotton, wheat, timber, palm oil, and coffee that were grown for export to Europe rather than for local consumption.

Atlantic slave trade

A historical event that depleted African populations and influenced the dynamics of colonization by European powers.