The Age of Imperialism: Key Vocabulary Terms

Imperialism Control by a strong nation over a weaker nation, usually for economic reasons.

Social Darwinism Use of Charles Darwin’s ideas about evolution to explain human societies. “survival of the fittest”- only the strongest species (nations) will survive. Stronger nations will dominate weaker nations

Berlin Conference (1884-1885) Meeting at which Europeans agreed on rules for dividing and colonizing Africa. Result: nations agreed that any nation could take any region of Africa as long as they told the other countries what they were doing.

“Scramble for Africa” Period starting in the 1880s when European countries competed for new land claims on the African continent. By 1914, only 2 countries remained independent from European control (Liberia and Ethiopia)

Assimilation Absorbing colonized people into the culture of the imperialist nation. When imperialist nations force their dominant culture, language, and religion on the weaker native population.

Boer War Bloody war fought between the Dutch and the British for control of South Africa in the late 1800’s. Great Britain won.

Suez Canal Human-made waterway connecting the Red and Mediterranean Seas.

Crimean War Conflict in which the Ottoman Empire, Britain, and France halted Russian expansion near the Black Sea.

“Jewel in the Crown” Term referring to India as the most valuable of all British colonies.

Sepoy Mutany Uprising of Indian soldiers against the British in 1857. The Sepoys lost.

Opium War (1839-1842) War between Britain and China over the Opium trade.

Extraterritorial Rights Rights of foreign residents to follow the laws of their own government rather than those of the host country.

Sphere of Influence Area in which a foreign nation controls trade and investment.

Open Door Policy Policy proposed by the United States giving all nations equal opportunities to trade in China.

Boxer Rebellion Rebellion aimed at ending foreign influence in China.