Men's Burden
A concept suggesting that it is the duty of men (specifically Western men) to help 'civilize' non-European societies.
Social Darwinism
An ideology applying the concept of natural selection to human societies, often used to justify imperialism and racial superiority.
Phrenology
A pseudoscience that claimed skull shape could determine character traits and intelligence, used to justify racial hierarchies.
Civilizing Mission
The justification for imperialism that posited Western societies had the responsibility to 'civilize' non-European populations.
Scramble for Africa
The rapid invasion, occupation, and colonization of African territory by European powers during the late 19th century.
Berlin Conference
A meeting held in 1884-1885 to regulate European colonization and trade in Africa, leading to the partition of the continent.
Monolithic
The idea that a group is seen as uniform or indivisible, which oversimplifies the diverse cultures and languages within a group.
Gunboat Diplomacy
The use of naval power to coerce a nation into complying with demands, exemplifying imperialistic practices.
Metropole
A term used to refer to the central or dominant cities of an empire, particularly in relation to its colonies.
Colonial Economy
An economic system established in colonies where local markets are dominated by foreign powers, often leading to exploitation.
Ethiopia vs. Italy
A significant instance of successful resistance against imperialism, where Ethiopia defeated Italy in the Battle of Adwa in 1896.
Cash Crops
Crops produced for commercial value rather than for use by the grower, often linked to colonial agricultural practices.
Native Resistance
Efforts by indigenous populations to resist colonial powers and protect their cultures and lands.
Elites in Colonial Society
Local leaders or members of the indigenous population who benefited from colonialism, often at the expense of the broader community.
Economic Motives of Imperialism
The desire for new sources of raw materials and new markets for finished goods that drove European nations to imperialize large parts of the world.
British Raj
The British rule in India from 1858 to 1947, considered the 'crown jewel' of the British Empire due to its resources and market potential.
Free Trade
A policy allowing unrestricted import and export between countries, often exploited by imperial powers to maximize profits at the cost of local economies.
Resistance to Imperialism
The various movements and actions taken by colonized populations to oppose and fight against imperial rule and oppression.
Indochina
A region in Southeast Asia that includes countries such as Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, which were subject to French colonial rule.
Opium Wars
Conflicts between China and Britain (1839-1860) primarily over trade imbalances due to opium sales, leading to significant territorial and economic concessions from China.