5.2 Imperialism and Nation-State Formation

Period 5 – Industrialization and Global Integration, c. 1750 CE to c. 1900 CE

As states industrialized during this period, they also expanded their existing overseas colonies and established new types of colonies and transoceanic empires. Regional warfare and diplomacy both resulted in and were affected by this process of modern empire building. The process was led mostly by Europe, although not all states were affected equally, which led to an increase of European influence around the world. The United States and Japan also participated in this process. The growth of new empires challenged the power of existing land-based empires of Eurasia. New ideas about nationalism, race, gender, class, and culture also developed that facilitated the spread of transoceanic empires, and in some cases justified anti-imperial resistance and the formation of new national identities.

Key Concept 5.2.I.E references neocolonialism in Latin America.

Key Concept 5.2.II.B includes Japan as a nation expanding its borders

Illustrative examples, states with existing colonies:

• Britain in India
• The Netherlands in Indonesia

Illustrative examples, European states that established empires in Africa:

• Britain in West Africa
• Belgium in the Congo

Illustrative examples, industrialized states practicing economic imperialism:

• Britain and France expanding their influence in China through the Opium Wars
• Britain and the United States investing heavily in Latin America

Illustrative examples, direct resistance and new states:

• The Cherokee Nation
• The Zulu Kingdom
• The establishment of independent states in the Balkans
• 1857 rebellion in India