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.
Analogy
Think of imperialism like a popular kid in school who wants to control everything. They might take over the student council, start multiple clubs, and even influence what others can do during recess. Just like this kid expands their influence across the school, imperial powers expand their control across other countries.
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:
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?
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.