European colonial empires
Definition
European colonial empires refer to the territories overseas that were controlled or influenced by European powers during the era of colonization. These empires expanded during the Age of Exploration and reached their peak in the late 19th century.
Analogy
Think of European colonial empires like giant board games played by powerful countries. Each country had its own game board (colonies) strategically placed around the world.
Related terms
Imperialism: The policy or practice of extending a nation's power through territorial acquisition or economic domination over other nations.
Scramble for Africa: A period during late 19th century when European powers competed for control over African territories.
Berlin Conference (1884): A meeting held by European powers to divide Africa among themselves, without the participation of African nations.
"European colonial empires" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Practice Questions (3)
What was an important effect due to the expansion of European colonial empires during Age of Exploration?
What aspect of Napoleonic France can be seen as a precursor to later European colonial empires in the late nineteenth century?
How did World War II alter European colonial empires' global power dynamics?
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