Imperialism — Social Studies definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- Extension of a state’s power over other peoples or territories through political, economic, or military means. (United States History & Government: Colonial Foundations to the Early 21st Century)
- Extension of political or economic power over other peoples or territories. (Global History & Geography II: c. 1750 to the Early 21st Century)
Where it is taught
- Overseas Expansion: Trade, Strategy & Sovereignty — Reform, Empire & Democratic Participation, U.S. History: Reconstruction to the Early 21st Century, Grade 8
- New Imperialism: Territory, Extraction & Colonial Rule — Reform, Imperialism & Asian Transformations, Global History & Geography II: c. 1750 to the Early 21st Century, Grade 10
- American Expansion Overseas: 1898, Sovereignty & Intervention — Progressive Reform, Empire & World War I, United States History & Government: Colonial Foundations to the Early 21st Century, Grade 11
In use
Imperialism involves extending power over other peoples or territories.
New Imperialism: Territory, Extraction & Colonial Rule
Questions using imperialism
Problem 1
Why should anti-imperialism not automatically be equated with support for racial equality?
Answer and explanation
Anti-imperialists disputed annexation on constitutional, moral, strategic, and sometimes racist grounds; opposing empire did not guarantee support for racial equality. Imperial supporters also advanced multiple arguments. Analyze the particular claims instead of assuming each camp had one identical position.