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Imperialism

Definition

Imperialism is a policy or ideology by which a nation extends its power by acquiring territories or establishing economic and political dominance over other nations.

Related terms

Colonialism: This is a practice of domination involving the subjugation of one people to another, often tied closely with imperialism as it involves control over foreign lands.

Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes loyalty, devotion or allegiance to a nation or nation-state. It often played a role in justifying imperialistic ambitions.

Neo-colonialism: The practice of using capitalism, globalization and cultural forces to control a country (usually former colonies) in lieu of direct military or political control.

"Imperialism" appears in:

Subjects (3)

  • AP European History

  • AP Human Geography

  • AP US History

Study guides (6)

  • AP World History: Modern - 6.1 Rationales for Imperialism

  • AP World History: Modern - 6.2 Expansion of Imperialism

  • AP World History: Modern - 6.6 Causes of Migration from 1750 to 1900

  • AP World History: Modern - 6.8 Causation in the Imperial Age

  • AP World History: Modern - 7.2 Causes of World War I

  • AP World History: Modern - 7.6 Causes of World War II

Practice Questions (20+)

  • Which of the following is the most accurate statement about the theory known as Social Darwinism and its relationship with imperialism?

  • Which of the following is a main cause of imperialism, especially from 1750 to 1900?

  • Which of the following was a major aspect of imperialism in Africa?

  • Which of these indigenous responses to imperialism was most prevalent during the period of 1750-1900?

  • What were the major factors that drove imperialism from 1750 to 1900?

  • What were the significant reforms undertaken by the Ottoman Empire in response to imperialism?

  • How might imperialism during the late nineteenth century differ if China had industrialized at the same time as Western Europe?

  • How did industrialization contribute to imperialism in the late nineteenth century?

  • Which statement best describes the relationship between industrialization and imperialism?

  • How did industrialization lead to imperialism by major European powers during late-19th century?

  • What aspect of imperialism can be directly linked to industrialization during the late 19th century?

  • Which technological innovation had a significant impact on imperialism by allowing nations to maintain and control distant colonies?

  • What scientific theory was misused by some Europeans to justify imperialism?

  • What was a common rationale for imperialism in the 19th and early 20th centuries?

  • Which of the following economic factors drove European nations towards imperialism in the late nineteenth century?

  • How did nationalism contribute to the spread of imperialism during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries?

  • How did Social Darwinism justify imperialism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries?

  • How did the Industrial Revolution contribute to the motivations behind imperialism?

  • What was the predominant rationale behind England's imperialism in India during the 19th century?

  • What best justifies Japan's imperialism in Korea during the late nineteenth Century?

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About Us

About Fiveable

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CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

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Glossary

Cram Events

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.