The Age of Imperialism was a time period beginning around 1870 when modern, relatively developed nations were taking over less developed areas, colonizing them, or influencing them in order to expand their own power. Although imperialist practices have existed for thousands of years, the term "Age of Imperialism" generally refers to the activities of nations such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States in the early 18th through the middle 20th centuries, (for example, the "Scramble for Africa" and the "Open Door Policy" in China.)
Nationalism motivated European nations to compete for colonial possessions. European economic, military, and political power forced colonized countries to trade on European terms. Industrially-produced goods flooded colonial markets and displaced their traditional industries. Colonized peoples resisted European domination and responded in diverse ways to Western influences.
Forms of imperialism
- Colonies
- Protectorates
- Spheres of influence
Imperialism in Africa and Asia
- European domination
- European conflicts carried to the colonies
- Christian missionary efforts
- Spheres of influence in China
- Suez Canal
- East India Company’s domination of Indian states
- American opening of Japan to trade
Responses of colonized peoples
- Armed conflicts (Events leading to the Boxer Rebellion in China)
- Rise of nationalism (first Indian nationalist party founded in the mid-1800s; Indian National Congress, below)
