Key Concepts of 19th Century Imperialism and WWI Origins
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1. Imperialism
A political theory in which a country (usually an empire) extends its power through the acquisition of territories. Established in the 19th century by various European nations, the USA, and Japan, it served as the primary catalyst for the First World War.
2. Exploitation Colony
A territory governed directly by a foreign power. The governing nation exercises control via soldiers and officials, forcing the indigenous population into submission to directly exploit economic resources.
3. Sphere of Influence
A situation where a foreign power controls another country’s trade and economy. Nations were often divided into various spheres of influence by European powers to secure exclusive trade rights at specific ports.
4. Protectorate
A colonized country that retains its own indigenous government, but remains under the control of a metropole, particularly regarding defense and foreign policy.
5. Berlin Conference (1884-1885)
A conference that regulated European colonization and trade in Africa. It coincided with Germany’s emergence as an imperial power and established protocols for the partition of Africa and territorial possession.
6. Armed Peace (1891-1914)
A period characterized by a tense peace where European nations prepared for conflict by significantly increasing their military budgets.
7. Bismarckian Alliance System
A complex network of alliances developed by Otto von Bismarck following the Franco-Prussian War (1871) to isolate France and prevent retaliation. This system maintained stability for over two decades.
8. Acculturation
The cultural modification of a group or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another culture. This process often led to the destruction of indigenous cultures and ways of life across Africa and Asia.
9. Schlieffen Plan
A German military strategy designed to rapidly defeat French troops by attacking through the Netherlands. The goal was to neutralize France before Russia—a member of the Triple Entente—could mobilize, thereby preventing a two-front war.
10. Armistice
A formal agreement between warring parties to cease hostilities. It does not necessarily signify the end of a war, but rather a pause to negotiate a lasting peace.