Final answer:
Imperialism refers to the domination of strong nations over weaker ones, an era highlighted by extensive European empire-building in the nineteenth century. The period was characterized by exploitation, competition for resources, and violence, leading to lasting global impacts and setting the stage for future conflicts like World War I.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Imperialism :
Imperialism is a critical concept in modern history that refers to the dominance of powerful nations over weaker ones through economic, political, and military means. This term specifically denotes the expansion of European empires in the nineteenth century, where nations such as Great Britain, France, and Russia extended their influence globally, often through violent measures. This era saw European powers controlling over 80% of the earth's surface prior to World War I. The legacy of this era continues to influence today's national borders and international relations.
In Africa, imperialistic expansion led to the exploitation of resources and brutal treatment of local populations, exemplified by the Congo under King Leopold II of Belgium. In the Americas, British colonies expanded through various means including trade laws that benefitted the empire, while the United States acquired territories through conquest, purchases, warfare, and tactics that resembled those of their European counterparts.