Final answer:
The 19th-century social category that emerged due to European imperialism was characterized by the establishment of overseas empires and the dominance of imperialist powers over vast global territories, facilitated by advancements in technology and industrialization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Social Category of the 19th Century: Imperialism
During the 19th century, the social category that developed was characterized by European imperialism, which entailed the expansion of European nations into overseas empires. This era witnessed the industrial and technological advances of countries like Germany and the United States, which helped facilitate their imperial endeavors. The quest for natural resources such as diamonds, gold, and oil drove European powers to establish colonies in Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, notions of racial and cultural superiority were bolstered by new ideologies like Social Darwinism, justifying the colonization and dominion over other regions.
Technological advancements played a critical role in imperialism, enabling Europeans to overcome resistance in conquered regions and maintain control over vast territories. By the end of the 19th century, European countries, along with the United States, controlled over 80% of the globe's surface, conspicuously demonstrating their dominance during this period. This era of rapid globalization, increased trade, and socio-political changes laid the groundwork for the modern world as we know it.