Imperialism Key Terms (Printable)

These are a few key terms from the imperialism era:

Social Darwinism: Using racism and Darwinism to give a reason why the “Whites/Europeans” were superior to their colonies and thus giving them an excuse to colonize other races. It summed up to: The best are destined to become greater and succeed in life in social aspects and rule over the weak and nonwhites.

Key Resources; Iron ore, copper, cobalt, rubber, diamonds, sugar, coffee, cotton, wool, silk, rice, indigo (dye for clothing), and cocoa.

Monroe Doctrine: President James Monroe’s speech to Congress in 1823 that declared the South and North America free from Europeans colonization. This was not directed to Europe but was meant for them to overhear. British backed this up because they wanted the good trading partner and saw America was going to become powerful so they wanted to be friendly. British Navy > Europe’s ambitions of colonizing the Americas.

Indirect Control: Colonization when the ruling power trains leaders and officials and basically allows the colony to rule itself. It just profits from the colony.

Direct Control: When the Imperialist ruler fills official positions with their own people and gives little freedom and rights. This is used more when the ruling party thinks the colony is unable to handle its own affairs.

Paternalism: Imperialist rulers who treat their colonies as if they were a parent. They give little freedom or rights but help with resources and building up the country.

Nationalism: When a nation’s people become more devoted to their culture as a whole. Also makes the people want to come together and gain independence.

Militarism: The overwhelming feelings of increasing the military for a country

Berlin Conference: Conference set up in 1844-1845 for the 14 European nations to lay down rules of colonizing Africa. They didn't invite any African leaders and made all the decisions. They also made up the boarders that are still in use today.

Scramble for Africa: 1800-1900. The brief amount of time where European countries all raced to colonize more African land than the next one.

Protectorate: The protection by a superior power over a smaller country that could be dependent or independent.