History ID Imperialism Terms

Colonization

Expansion of empire through formation of colonies in a new land, usually through force.

Exploitation of Resources

Colonization often involved the exploitation of the colonized country's resources for the benefit of the colonizing power.

Cultural Exchange

Colonization led to the exchange of cultures, goods, and ideas between the colonizing power and the colonized people.

“Informal” Imperialism

Without conquering and claiming control of other nations.

Sphere of Influence

A region where one nation has significant influence over others, often without formal sovereignty.

Global Dominance

Imperialism allowed powerful nations to extend their influence and control over vast territories.

Economic and Political Power

Imperial powers gained economic and political advantages through their colonies.

Direct Rule

The ruler is ruling from in the country with the imperial power in charge of the government.

Tight Control

Direct rule allowed the colonizing power to have direct control over the government and administration of the colony.

Cultural Assimilation

Direct rule often involved efforts to assimilate the colonized people into the culture of the colonizing power.

Indirect Rule

The ruler lives in another nation and has someone designated to rule the nation.

Local Control

Indirect rule allowed the colonizing power to maintain control over the colony while using local rulers to govern.

Reduced Costs

Indirect rule was often less expensive than direct rule.

Empire

An extensive group of states or countries under a single supreme authority.

Joint-stock Company

Businesses owned by investors, allowing sharing of risks in colonial ventures.

Economic Power

Joint-stock companies played a significant role in the expansion of European empires.

British East India Company (BEIC)

A private corporation formed in December 1600 aimed at establishing a British presence in the Indian spice trade.

Colonial Military Force

Sepoys were Indian soldiers hired by the British East India Company.

Sepoy Rebellion

A major uprising in 1857 against British rule in India, triggered by cultural tensions.

End of Company Rule

The rebellion led to the end of British East India Company rule in India.

Government of India Act 1858

Marked the beginning of direct British rule over India following the rebellion.

Famine

An extreme shortage of food leading to widespread human suffering and death.

Human Suffering

Famine caused widespread suffering and death in India, often blamed on British policies.

Mangal Pandey

One of the first voices of Indian nationalism, who attempted to lead a revolt against British officers.

Crown Colony

India was directly ruled by the British government as a crown colony.

Indian National Congress

Formed in 1885, it dominated Indian politics and led the independence movement.

Radicals

Believed India should push for full independence from Britain.

Moderates

Wanted more self-governance but aimed to remain part of the British Empire.

Partition of Bengal

A split in 1905 that fueled Indian nationalism and political unrest.

Swadeshi Movement

A united Hindu-Muslim resistance against British goods and policies.

All-India Muslim League

Founded in 1906 to represent the interests of Indian Muslims.

Lucknow Pact

An alliance between the Muslim League and Indian National Congress in 1916 for Hindu-Muslim unity.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

A massacre in 1919 that heightened resentment against British rule.

Salt March

A 240-mile protest led by Gandhi against British salt laws, exemplifying nonviolent resistance.

Satyagraha

A philosophy of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience advocated by Gandhi.

Quit India Movement

A mass civil disobedience campaign launched in 1942 demanding an end to British rule.

Direct Action Day

A day of protests in 1946 that led to violence and hastened the partition of India.

Partition of India

The 1947 division of British India into independent countries, India and Pakistan.

White Man’s Burden

The belief that Europeans had a duty to civilize 'weaker races,' justifying colonialism.

Social Darwinism

The application of 'survival of the fittest' to justify aggressive competition and military policies.

Guangzhou (Canton)

A major port city that served as the primary gateway for European trade with China.

Lord George Macartney

A British diplomat whose failed mission to China highlighted cultural differences.

Opium

A narcotic smuggled into China by the East India Company, leading to a national addiction crisis.

Silver

The primary currency in China, essential for trade, leading to a trade imbalance with Europe.

Opium Wars

Wars fought between Britain and China over the opium trade, leading to unequal treaties.

Lin Tse-hsu

A Chinese official who led an anti-opium campaign that triggered the Opium Wars.

Treaty of Nanking

The first unequal treaty that forced China to make concessions to Britain.

Boxer Rebellion

An uprising against foreign influence in China, reflecting rising nationalism.

Taiping Rebellion

A massive civil war in China led by Hong Xiuquan, weakening the Qing Dynasty.

Sino-Japanese War

A conflict between China and Japan leading to Japan's rise and China's decline as a major power.