Causes of WWI: Imperialism

Flashcards focusing on key vocabulary and concepts related to the causes of World War I, particularly imperialism.

Imperialism

A system where a powerful nation-state seizes or controls territories outside its own borders, governing them as colonies.

Indigenous

The first people or native peoples, ethnic groups who are the original settlers of a region, as opposed to those who settled or colonized later.

Uprising

An act of opposition, sometimes using violence, by many people in one area of a country against those in power.

Scramble for Africa

A period of intense competition among European powers to acquire colonial possessions in Africa before World War I.

Economic purpose of colonies

Colonies primarily exist to make the imperial power richer, often by providing precious metals, resources, cheap labor, and agricultural land.

Military presence in colonies

Imperial nations often station a military presence in colonies to maintain order, stop uprisings, and deter rival empires.

Colonial possessions

Territories claimed and controlled by an imperial power, particularly significant during the pre-war period before World War I.