The Age of Imperialism Flashcards
imperialism
The process in which strong nations seek to dominate weaker nations either politically, economically or socially
Racism
The belief that one race is superior to others.
Social Darwinism
the application of ideas about evolution and “survival of the fittest” to human societies—particularly as justification for imperialist expansion.
Berlin Conference
A meeting of European powers to set up rules to settle land claims and political boundaries in Africa
Shaka
The African leader who created a strong unified Zulu state
Boer
a Dutch colonist in South Africa.
Boer War
A conflict between Dutch and British settlers over South African territories
paternalism
a policy of treating subject people as if they were children, providing for their needs but not giving them rights
assimilation
The process in which a group of people (often by force) adopt another group’s cultural traditions and values
Menelik II
The Emperor of Ethiopia who was able to keep his country independent from foreign control
geopolitics
An interest in or taking of land for its strategic location or products
Crimean War
A conflict that resulted from Russia’s desire for a warm water port
Suez Canal
The strategic waterway that was constructed under Egypt’s modernization program
sepoy
Indian soldiers employed by the East India Company
“jewel in the crown”
Refers to Britain’s most prized imperial possession— India
