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Imperialism
Topic from my second semester final.
11
History
10th Grade
06/06/2010

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Term
Imperialism
Definition
domination by one country of the political, economic, or cultural life of another country or region.
Term
economic reasons for imperialism
Definition
The Industrial Revolution created needs for overseas expansion. Manufacturers wanted natural resources/to expand their markets around the globe. Colonies also offered an outlet for rapidly expanding populations.
Term
political/military reasons for imperialism
Definition
Steam powered merchant ships/naval vessels needed bases around the world to take on coal/supplies. Also, countries wanted to stop each other from expanding too far. Countries claimed expansion was necessary for national security. Sometimes prestige was a factor.
Term
humanitarian/religious goals for imperialism
Definition
Missionaries/doctors/colonial officials believed they had a duty to spread the blessings of western civilization (medicine, law, Christian religion).
Term
Social Darwinism
Definition
There was a growing sense in the West of racial superiority. People applied Darwin's ideas of natural selection/survival of the fittest to human societies/nations. European races, they argued, were superior to all others and destruction of weaker races was nature's way of improving the human species. As a result, millions of non-westerners were robbed of their cultural heritage.
Term
colony
Definition
Territory settled and ruled by people from another country. France: Direct rule. Britain: indirect rule.
Term
Protectorates
Definition
Local rulers are left in place, but the rulers are expected to accept the advice of European advisers on issues such as trade or missionary activity.
Term
spheres of influence
Definition
An area in which an outside power claimed exclusive investment or trading privileges.
Term
Direct rule
Definition
Sending officials to administer colonies directly.
Term
Indirect rule
Definition
Local rulers are left in place and used as agents in governing their colonies. Children of the ruling class are encouraged to get an education in the imperializing country. In this way, the new generation is groomed to become agents of indirect rule.
Term
What allowed European countries to take over other areas of the world so quickly?
Definition
Western countries had the advantages of strong economies, well-organized governments, powerful armies/navies, superior technology, and improved medical knowledge.
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