AP World History: Modern
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🌍ap world history: modern review
6.2 Expansion of Imperialism
Verified for the 2025 AP World History: Modern exam•Citation:MLA
State Expansion and Imperial Strategies
Between 1750 and 1900, state power expanded and shifted through various processes. European powers and emerging industrial states consolidated and extended their control over vast territories using a range of strategies:
- Colonialism: Powers like Britain and France established direct control over foreign lands, displacing indigenous populations and reshaping political and economic systems to serve imperial interests.
- Imperialism: Beyond colonies, states dominated regions politically, economically, and militarily. This often involved controlling trade, extracting resources, and asserting political hegemony.
- Industrialization: The demand for raw materials and new markets drove imperial expansion, particularly in Africa and Asia.
- Nationalism: National pride and the belief in cultural superiority fueled efforts to expand empires and "civilize" subject peoples.
- Warfare and Diplomacy: Imperial expansion was accomplished through military conquest, treaties, and negotiation, with rival powers often clashing over strategic regions.
Imperialism in Africa
European imperialism in Africa intensified in the 19th century, driven by economic interests, strategic competition, and racial ideologies.
British Control in Africa
- Egypt and the Suez Canal: Britain invaded Egypt in 1882 to secure control over the Suez Canal, vital for trade with India. Egypt became a British protectorate, though nominally still under the Ottoman Empire.
- British West Africa: Britain established colonies in Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. Palm oil, gold, and other raw materials were extracted, often using forced labor.
French Control in Africa
- France expanded its colonial empire across West and Central Africa, including modern-day Senegal, Mali, Chad, and Ivory Coast. French rule emphasized centralization, assimilation, and military dominance.
The Scramble for Africa and the Berlin Conference
The "Scramble for Africa" was a competitive rush by European nations to claim African territories in the late 1800s. It culminated in the Berlin Conference (1884-1885), where:
- European powers (and the U.S.) met to divide Africa without African input.
- The doctrine of "effective occupation" required powers to demonstrate control before claiming a region.
- By 1900, most of Africa was under European control, and arbitrary borders drawn at the conference still shape the continent today.
Imperialism in South Asia
British Rule in India
- Began with the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the dominance of the British East India Company.
- Gradually transitioned to direct British rule under the British Raj (1858) after the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- Britain imposed taxation, used Indian soldiers (sepoys) in military campaigns, and de-industrialized India by flooding markets with British goods.
Imperialism in East Asia
British and French Interests
- Britain dominated Hong Kong and established trade rights in China through the Opium Wars.
- France controlled French Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia), enforcing assimilation policies and resource extraction.
American Expansion
- Acquired the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico in 1898 from Spain.
- Annexed Hawaii the same year, strengthening U.S. presence in the Pacific.
Japanese Imperialism
- Meiji Restoration (1868) marked Japan's modernization and industrialization.
- Japan expanded into Taiwan, Korea, and Manchuria through war and treaties, becoming a rising imperial power.
United States Imperialism in Latin America and the Pacific
Latin America
- U.S. interventions in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Panama protected American commercial interests.
- Acquired Puerto Rico and Guam after the Spanish-American War (1898).
The Philippines and the Pacific
- After defeating Spain, the U.S. suppressed Filipino independence movements and established a colonial government.
- Annexed Hawaii and expanded economic and naval influence throughout the Pacific.
Conclusion
From 1750 to 1900, imperialism reshaped global political boundaries, altered economies, and deeply influenced the societies of colonized regions. European states, the U.S., and Japan expanded territorial control using a mixture of military force, diplomacy, and ideology. The legacy of imperialism remains visible in modern political and social structures worldwide.
Key Terms to Review (26)
African Imperialism: African Imperialism refers to the late 19th and early 20th century period when European powers aggressively expanded their control over African territories, driven by economic, political, and cultural motives. This phase of imperialism was marked by the scramble for Africa, where countries like Britain, France, Germany, and Belgium divided the continent among themselves, often disregarding indigenous cultures and political structures.
American imperialism in East Asia: American imperialism in East Asia refers to the United States' expansionist policies and military interventions in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period was characterized by America's desire to compete with European powers for influence, establish trade relations, and promote American values abroad, leading to significant events such as the Open Door Policy and the annexation of territories like the Philippines.
Battle of Plassey: The Battle of Plassey was a decisive military engagement fought on June 23, 1757, between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daula. This battle marked a significant turning point in the expansion of British imperial power in India, as it established British dominance over Bengal and laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of British rule throughout India.
Berlin Conference of 1884-1885: The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 was a meeting among European powers to establish rules for the colonization and trade in Africa, fundamentally shaping the continent's future. This conference marked a significant moment in the expansion of imperialism, as it facilitated the rapid partitioning of Africa among European nations, often disregarding indigenous populations and their cultures.
British control of Egypt: British control of Egypt refers to the period when Britain established significant political and military influence over Egypt, particularly from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. This control was largely driven by strategic interests in the Suez Canal, which served as a critical trade route connecting Europe to Asia, and was an essential aspect of the broader expansion of imperialism during this era.
British East India Company: The British East India Company was a trading corporation established in 1600, granted a royal charter by Queen Elizabeth I, that played a crucial role in establishing British influence and control over India and parts of Southeast Asia. The company not only engaged in trade but also became a political power, paving the way for British imperialism and economic domination in the region.
British India: British India refers to the period of British colonial rule over the Indian subcontinent from the mid-18th century until 1947. This era was marked by significant economic exploitation, cultural exchange, and social change, deeply influencing both British imperial ambitions and the eventual push for independence among Indians.
British West Africa: British West Africa refers to a collection of territories in West Africa that were controlled by the British Empire during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including present-day Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. This area became significant during the period of imperial expansion as European powers competed for control over African resources and trade routes, leading to profound changes in local economies, societies, and cultures.
Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of acquiring control over another country or territory, establishing settlements, and exploiting its resources and people for the benefit of the colonizing power. This often involves political domination and cultural assimilation, resulting in significant social, economic, and political changes in the colonized regions.
Deindustrialization of India: The deindustrialization of India refers to the decline of traditional industries and manufacturing in India, particularly during the British colonial period, as British policies favored the import of British goods over local production. This shift resulted in a significant reduction of India's textile and handicraft sectors, leading to widespread unemployment and economic hardship for many artisans and laborers. The process highlights the broader impacts of imperialism on colonized economies, illustrating how economic exploitation under foreign rule reshaped India's industrial landscape.
Effective Occupation: Effective Occupation refers to the principle that a colonial power must demonstrate actual control over a territory to claim it as part of its empire. This involves establishing administrative authority, implementing governance, and often settling the area with citizens from the colonizing nation. The term highlights the shift in imperial strategies during the age of expansion, emphasizing the importance of presence and control over mere claims or declarations.
French Concession: The French Concession refers to an area in Shanghai, China, that was ceded to France during the period of imperialism, where French law and governance were implemented. This concession became a significant symbol of foreign control and exploitation in China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, embodying the broader trends of imperial expansion and the imposition of foreign powers on local societies.
French in Africa: The French in Africa refers to the colonial and imperial activities of France on the African continent, which spanned from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. This period saw France establish a vast colonial empire that included territories in North, West, and Central Africa, characterized by economic exploitation, cultural assimilation, and significant political control over local populations.
French Indochina: French Indochina was a colonial territory in Southeast Asia that included modern-day Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, established by France in the mid-19th century. This region was crucial for French imperial expansion, as it served as a significant site for agricultural production, trade routes, and strategic military positioning during the era of imperialism.
Imperialism in East Asia: Imperialism in East Asia refers to the political, economic, and cultural domination of Western powers and Japan over countries in the region from the late 19th century through the early 20th century. This period saw significant expansion as foreign powers sought to exploit resources, establish markets, and exert influence, leading to both resistance and adaptation within the affected nations.
Imperialism in South Asia: Imperialism in South Asia refers to the dominance and control exerted by foreign powers, particularly European nations, over the region from the 18th to the 20th century. This period was marked by the establishment of colonial rule, economic exploitation, and significant cultural changes driven by imperial policies. The expansion of imperialism led to profound social, political, and economic transformations that reshaped South Asian societies.
Imperialism: Imperialism is the policy or practice of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force. It often involves the domination of one nation over another, which can lead to the exploitation of resources and people, shaping global politics, economics, and cultures in significant ways.
Indirect Rule: Indirect rule is a system of governance used by colonial powers where local rulers maintain their positions of authority and power while being overseen by colonial authorities. This method allowed imperial powers to control vast territories without needing a large administrative presence, making it easier to manage diverse populations and reduce costs associated with direct rule.
Industrialization: Industrialization refers to the process of transforming economies from primarily agricultural to industrial, marked by the growth of factories, mass production, and advancements in technology. This transformation significantly influenced social, economic, and political structures worldwide, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Japanese imperialism in East Asia: Japanese imperialism in East Asia refers to the aggressive expansion of Japan's territory and influence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, marked by military conquests and the establishment of colonies. This expansion was driven by Japan's desire for resources, strategic dominance, and the belief in its own superiority, which led to significant changes in the political and social landscape of the region.
Nationalism: Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation or group, often advocating for self-determination and the belief that individuals' loyalty should be to their nation above all else. This strong sense of national identity can influence political movements, cultural developments, and conflicts, shaping the course of history in profound ways.
Ryukyu Islands: The Ryukyu Islands are a chain of islands located in the western Pacific Ocean, stretching from the southern tip of Japan to Taiwan. Historically significant as a center of trade and cultural exchange, these islands played a crucial role in regional interactions between Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, especially during the period of expansion of imperialism.
Scramble for Africa: The Scramble for Africa refers to the rapid invasion, colonization, and annexation of African territories by European powers during the late 19th century, particularly between 1881 and 1914. This period saw European nations competing aggressively for control over African lands, driven by a mix of economic interests, nationalistic fervor, and a belief in their own superiority.
Spanish-American War: The Spanish-American War was a conflict fought between the United States and Spain in 1898, primarily over issues of Cuban independence and American imperial interests. This war marked a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy, as it led to the emergence of the United States as a global power and increased its imperial ambitions in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.
Suez Canal: The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, completed in 1869. This crucial passage significantly shortened the maritime route between Europe and South Asia, making it a vital artery for international trade and enhancing imperial expansion during the age of imperialism. Its strategic importance has continued into the 20th century, influencing political dynamics and independence movements in newly formed states.
US Imperialism in Latin America & Pacific Regions: US Imperialism in Latin America and the Pacific Regions refers to the expansionist policies and actions taken by the United States from the late 19th century into the early 20th century, aiming to establish political, economic, and military dominance in these areas. This era saw the US engaging in territorial acquisitions, exerting influence over local governments, and justifying intervention through doctrines like the Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny, reflecting a broader trend of imperialism during this time.