imperialism, 19th-century European

Click a letter for the index

Or search the encyclopaedia:

 

 

Go

 

The empires of Europe, including those of the UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, and Russia, reached their greatest extent in the 19th century. Although partly a continuation of the expansionist policies of previous centuries, these nations increased their efforts to extend their power and influence across the globe. At various times during the 19th century Europeans held control over the continents of South America, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. European imperialism was driven by a combination of factors, from a desire for territorial strength, economic opportunities, and political prestige, to the need for cheap supplies to fuel Europe's industrial revolutions. Also significant was the Europeans' sense of duty to Christianize and ‘civilize’ other nations through mission work and the enforcement of European culture and administrative methods.

The form of dominance varied. While King Leopold II of Belgium held the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) as a vast personal property, Queen Victoria was declared empress of India by the British government in 1876.

The red, white, and black tricolour formed the basis of the flags of both North and South Yemen. Effective date: 22 May 1990. >>