WWH Imperialism Vocab

Nationalism

Immense love and pride for one’s own country, leading to the rise of nation-states and nationalist movements.

Racism

Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or people based on their racial or ethnic group.

Social Darwinism

The theory that individuals, groups, and peoples are subject to Darwinian laws of natural selection, often presented as a scientific theory.

Paternalism

Governance by an outside country over another, believing the native population cannot govern themselves, similar to a parent-child relationship.

Cultural Assimilation

The process where individuals or groups from differing ethnic heritages are absorbed into the dominant culture of a society.

Colony

The most direct form of imperialism where a powerful nation installs its own government and maintains control over territories.

Settlement Colonies

Large groups of people from one country living together in a new place, such as the relationship between Great Britain and Australia.

Dependent Colonies

Territories ruled by a few European officials over a non-European population, exemplified by the relationship between India and Great Britain.

Protectorates

When a local ruler maintains their title but is under the control of an outside power, as seen with Puerto Rico after the Spanish-American War.

Sphere of Influence

An area where an outside power claims rights and privileges, such as trading rights, with examples including Great Britain in China.