Imperialism Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key imperialism-related vocabulary from the lecture notes.

Imperialism

The extension of a nation’s power over other lands.

Racism

The belief that race determines a person’s traits and capabilities.

Gunboat Diplomacy

The practice of threatening another state with naval power to force treaties or gain unfair privileges.

Protectorate

A political unit that depends on another government for its protection.

Indirect Rule

A colonial system in which local rulers keep their authority and status under imperial control.

Direct Rule

A colonial system where local elites are removed and replaced by officials from the colonizing country.

Annex

To incorporate a territory into an existing political unit, such as a city or country.

Indigenous

Native to a particular region.

Sepoy

An Indian soldier hired by the British East India Company to protect its interests.

Viceroy

A governor who rules a colony as the representative of a monarch.

Dollar Diplomacy

Using a country’s financial power to extend its international influence and achieve foreign policy goals.

Extraterritoriality

The right to live in a section of a foreign country without being subject to its laws.

Self-strengthening

Late Qing policy for adopting Western technology while preserving Confucian values and institutions.

Spheres of Influence

Regions where foreign powers have exclusive rights, such as trade or mining privileges.

Open Door Policy

U.S. policy (1899) requesting equal trading rights in China and no discriminatory tariffs by foreign powers.

Indemnity

Payment for damages.