At the beginning of the 1800s, westerners had little influence outside their own lands. With the Industrial Revolution, however, western nations gained extraordinary power. During the Age of Imperialism, from 1870 to 1914, they carved out empires around the globe. Despite fierce resistance, they dominated other peoples and brought distant lands under their control.
In the late 1800s, industrial nations of the West engaged in imperialism and dominated much of the world.
By the end of the 1800s, the imperialist powers of Europe claimed control over most of Africa.
During the 1800s, European nations extended their power into parts of the Muslim world.
Despite Indian opposition, Britain gradually extended its control over most of India.
During the 1800s, Qing China declined as western powers used diplomacy and war to gain power in East Asia.