19th century Imperialism

Macartney Mission

An attempt by the British Empire to secure better trade conditions with China, which ultimately failed.

Opium Wars

Conflicts between Britain and China over the opium trade, leading to the Treaty of Nanking and a loss of Chinese sovereignty.

Treaty of Nanking

The treaty that ended the First Opium War, resulting in Britain acquiring Hong Kong and various treaty ports, along with monetary compensation.

Scramble for Africa

The period during which European powers rapidly colonized much of Africa for raw materials to fuel industrial economies.

Quinine

A medicine that helped moderate the effects of malaria, allowing Europeans to colonize inland Africa.

Indirect rule

A colonial governance strategy where Europeans controlled colonies through existing local leaders and governments.

Maxim Machine Gun

A technological advancement that significantly enhanced European military power during the colonization of Africa.

Balance of trade

The relationship between the value of a country's imports and exports; was threatened for China due to the influx of opium.

European Imperialism

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

Industrialization

The process by which economies undergo change to become more industrialized, requiring raw materials from colonies.