Key Concepts of Imperialism and Its Impact

Imperialism

Imperialism involves the seizure of a country or territory by a stronger country, often justified by a desire to demonstrate national strength and greatness.

Loss of land and trade

For Africans, European Imperialism resulted in a loss of land and trade but gains in health and literacy.

Capitalism

This economic system is based on the idea of private ownership; it helped develop the Industrial Revolution.

Technology & Industry

European Imperialism was spurred in part by advancements in.

Ideological, Political, Economic

What motives did European countries use to justify imperialism?

Romanticism

This artistic movement focused on emotion, nature and radical change rather than reason and society.

Steam Power, Railroads, Machine Guns

What technological innovation made the imperialism of Africa possible?

Ethiopia and Liberia

By 1914, these were the only two African countries to retain their independence during the period of European colonization.

Impressionism

This artistic movement was a reaction against realism. These artists were fascinated by light and showed a more positive view of society.

Overseas Colonies

The primary reason European countries wanted to achieve overseas colonies was to acquire raw materials and new markets.

Social Darwinism

A Social Darwinist would say that a nation's power was proof of a country's superiority. Social Darwinism applied the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to societies and nations.

Boxer Rebellion

In 1900, anti-foreign sentiment in China led to an uprising known as the Boxer Rebellion.

Berlin Conference

The purpose of the Berlin Conference was to plan for the division of Africa.

Congo

The atrocities committed in this colony, under the leadership of King Leopold II, resulted in the deaths of 8 - 10 million of its inhabitants.

Meiji Reformers

After the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry and his fleet in 1853, the Japanese Meiji reformers were determined to strengthen and modernize Japan with Western ways.

Industrialization

What enabled Japan to become an Imperial power after 1894?

India

Which country was considered the Jewel of the British Empire?

Realism

What artistic movement showed life as it really was, not as it should be? It was also during this time that photography was introduced.

Communism

This is a complete form of socialism; there would be no private ownership and all of the factors of production would be publicly owned.

Nationalism

This idea spread across Europe during the Napoleonic Wars; it means to have great pride and support for one's nation or culture.

Gandhi

Which leader rose to prominence bringing awareness to the unjust laws of the British Empire?

Socialism

What economic idea developed because of the societal ills of the Industrial Revolution? Its ideas sought to fix the division of wealth that existed between factory owners and factory workers.

Britain

It was said that the, 'sun never set,' on whose empire at the height of its power?