Imperialism Vocabulary Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, events, treaties, and figures of global imperialism and colonialism from the lecture notes.

Nationalism

The belief that your country, culture, or ethnic group is superior to others and that your primary loyalty belongs to your nation.

Militarism

The belief that a country should maintain a strong military force and use it aggressively to promote or defend its national interests.

Imperialism

A policy or practice where one country extends its power, influence, or control over other countries or territories.

Social Darwinism

The belief that Charles Darwin's theory of "survival of the fittest" applies to human society, meaning rich or powerful people are "fit" and poor people are "unfit".

White Man's Burden

A racist belief that white Western people had a moral duty to rule over, control, and "civilize" non-white societies.

Colony

A country or territory under the political control of a more powerful, distant nation, or a group of people, animals, or plants living together in close association.

Sphere of Influence

A region or territory where a powerful country, group, or organization holds significant economic, cultural, military, or police control.

Protectorate

A weaker country or territory that is protected, guided, and partly controlled by a stronger, sovereign nation.

Assimilation

The process of taking in and fully absorbing something, or of becoming similar to a larger group or structure.

Scramble for Africa

The rapid invasion, occupation, division, and colonization of African territory by European powers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

King Leopold

The 2nd king of Belgians (1865–1909) and founder of the Congo Free State.

Berlin Conference

A meeting of European powers and the United States to regulate trade and colonial expansion in Africa during the New Imperialism period.

Boer

"Farmer" in Dutch and Afrikaans.

Boer War

Two armed conflicts fought in South Africa between the British Empire and the Dutch-descended Boer republics.

Sepoy

A South Asian infantry soldier.

Sepoy Rebellion

A major, widespread rebellion against the rule of the British East India Company in India.

Dutch East India Company

A joint-stock corporation established on March 20, 1602 by the States-General of the Netherlands.

Opium War

A conflict in the 19th century between China's Qing dynasty and Western powers over trade rights, status, and China's enforcement.

Qing Dynasty

The last imperial dynasty of China (1644–1912).

Commodore Matthew Perry

US Navy officer known for leading the expedition that forced Japan to end over 200 years of national isolation.

Meiji Restoration

A political and social revolution in Japan (1868) that ended 250 years of military rule by shoguns and returned power to the emperor.

Queen Liliuokalani

The only queen regnant and last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Boxer Rebellion

An anti-foreign, anti-imperialist uprising in northern China led by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists.

Spanish-American War

A conflict fought between the United States and Spain from April 21 to August 13, 1898, ending centuries of Spanish presence in the Americas and Pacific.

Suez Canal

An artificial, sea-level waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, separating Africa from Asia.

"Jewel of the Crown"

The single most valuable thing or feature within a large group, set, or collection.