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Industrialization

A process that transformed economies from agricultural-based to industrial-based, contributing to rapid urbanization and societal change.

Imperialism

The extension of rule or influence by one country over foreign territories, often for economic gain.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes shared identity based on cultural, linguistic, or historical commonalities, often driving movements for self-governance.

Berlin Conference

A meeting in 1884-1885 where European powers divided Africa among themselves without considering African interests.

Spinning Jenny

A multi-spindle spinning frame invented by James Hargreaves in 1764, significantly increasing textile production.

Cotton Gin

A device invented by Eli Whitney in 1793 that mechanized the process of removing seeds from cotton fibers, boosting cotton production.

Telegraph

A communication device developed in the 1830s that allowed messages to be sent over long distances instantly, using Morse Code.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Civilizing Mission

The ideology that justified imperialism by claiming that Western powers had a duty to civilize non-European societies.

Interchangeable Parts

Standardized parts that can be used in place of one another in manufacturing, allowing for easier assembly and repair, pioneered by Eli Whitney.

Combustion Engine

An engine that burns fuel to create energy through combustion, leading to significant advancements in transportation.

Factory Assembly Lines

A manufacturing process where production tasks are divided into small steps, allowing for mass production of goods, perfected by Henry Ford.

Industrial Revolution

A period of significant technological advancement from the late 18th to the early 20th century that transformed manufacturing processes.

Anti-Colonial Resistance

Opposition from colonized peoples against imperial powers, often fueled by nationalism and the desire for self-determination.

Maritime Empires

Naval empires established by Western European states focused on trade and colonization, particularly in the Indian Ocean and Americas.