Imperialism and State Expansion (1750-1900)
This comprehensive page outlines the key concepts of imperialism and state expansion during the period of 1750-1900. The content explores various aspects of colonial expansion, power dynamics, and indigenous responses to imperial control.
Definition: Imperialism refers to when a nation extends its influence and power into another nation through diplomacy or force.
Highlight: The period saw multiple justifications for imperial expansion, including Social Darwinism, nationalism, and religious conversion missions.
Example: Britain's expansion included control of India through the British East India Company and later direct crown rule.
Vocabulary: Social Darwinism - The application of Darwin's evolutionary theories to human societies, used to justify imperial dominance.
Quote: "The white man's burden" became a prevalent ideology justifying European colonial expansion.
The page details various aspects of colonial expansion:
- European powers' territorial acquisition in Asia and the Pacific
- The decline of Spanish and Portuguese influence
- The expansion of the United States, Russia, and Japan
- The establishment of settler colonies
- Anti-colonial movements and resistance
- Religious and nationalist influences on imperial resistance
The content also covers specific regional developments:
- British colonial losses in America and expansion in India
- Japanese control over Korea following the Sino-Japanese War
- European trading rights and territorial conquest in Asia
- African resistance to European influence
- The Scramble for Africa and Berlin Conference
- Belgian King Leopold II's brutal colonization of Congo
The page concludes with information about indigenous responses and resistance movements, including:
- Native American resistance to westward expansion
- The Ghost Dance movement
- Tupac Amaru's rebellion in Peru
- The Maori resistance in New Zealand
- Various African resistance movements
