Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Expansionism refers to the policy or ideology of a country or empire expanding its territory, influence, or power through various means such as colonization, military conquest, or economic dominance.
Related terms
Imperialism: Imperialism is a form of expansionism where one country extends its control over other nations through political and economic domination.
Manifest Destiny: Manifest Destiny was an expansionist belief held by Americans in the 19th century that it was their destiny to expand across the continent from coast to coast.
Colonialism: Colonialism involves the establishment and maintenance of colonies by one country in another territory for economic exploitation and political control.