The Age of Imperialism Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key terms, events, and policies associated with the Age of Imperialism in Africa, India, China, and Japan as detailed in the Chapter 27 lecture notes.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political influence over other nations.

Social Darwinism

A corruption of Darwin’s theory of evolution based on survival of the fittest, used to justify racism and imperialism.

White Man’s Burden

A poem by Rudyard Kipling that frames imperialism as a moral obligation for the 'best' of the white race to serve the populations they conquered.

Maxim gun

A piece of technology representing military superiority that helped promote European imperialism.

Quinine

A drug used to combat Malaria, which was a significant factor allowing Europeans to advance into the African interior.

Berlin Conference (1884)

A meeting where 14 nations established rules for the partition of Africa; it allowed any European country to claim land by notifying others and proving control.

Boer Wars

Conflicts fought between 1880-1 and 1899-1902 between the British and descendants of Dutch settlers over diamonds and gold in what is now South Africa.

Colony

A form of imperialism where a country or territory is governed internally by a foreign power.

Protectorate

A country or territory with its own internal government but under the control of an outside power.

Sphere of Influence

An area in which an outside power claims exclusive investment or trading privileges.

Economic Imperialism

A situation where an independent but less developed country is controlled by private business interests rather than governments.

Indirect Rule

A control method using local government officials with limited self-rule.

Direct Rule

A control method where foreign officials rule directly with no self-rule for the local population.

Paternalism

A policy of providing for the needs of the people but not giving them rights.

Assimilation

A policy based on the idea that in time, local populations would adopt the culture of the imperial power.

Sepoys

Indian soldiers who served in the British army.

Sepoy Rebellion (1857)

A mutiny sparked by rumors that Enfield rifle cartridges were greased with beef and pork fat, which violated the religious beliefs of Hindu and Muslim soldiers.

Civil Disobedience

A policy of passive resistance and non-violence practiced by Mohandas K. Gandhi to achieve Indian independence.

Opium War (1839)

A conflict between the British and Chinese triggered by the British introduction of opium to China and the resulting addiction of the population.

Treaty of Nanjing (1842)

The agreement that ended the Opium War, forcing China to give up control of Hong Kong to the British.

Extraterritorial rights

A treaty provision that meant foreigners were not subject to Chinese law in port cities.

Open-Door Policy (1899)

An American-initiated policy declaring that China was open to trade with all countries.

Boxer Rebellion (1900)

A violent uprising by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists against foreign privileges and Christian influence in China.

Treaty of Kanagawa (1854)

An agreement that opened two Japanese ports to trade with the United States following a request by President Millard Fillmore.

Meiji Era (1868-1912)

The reign of Emperor Mutsuhito in Japan, characterized by 'enlightened rule' and the rapid modernization and industrialization of the country.