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External Expansion

Definition

External expansion refers to the process by which a country or empire extends its influence and control over new territories, often through colonization, trade, or warfare.

Analogy

Think of external expansion like a popular fast-food chain opening up new branches in different cities. Just as the fast-food chain spreads its brand and influence to these new locations, so too does a country or empire extend its power and control during external expansion.

Related terms

Colonization: This is the act of establishing control over the indigenous people of an area. It's like planting your flag on a piece of land that already has inhabitants but claiming it as your own anyway.

Imperialism: This is a policy or ideology by which a nation extends its power by acquiring territories. It can be compared to a larger, stronger kid in school who takes away smaller kids' lunch boxes because he has more power.

Manifest Destiny: This was the 19th-century doctrine that justified the territorial expansion of the United States across North America. Imagine if you believed your favorite sports team was destined to win every game - that's how some Americans felt about their country's right to all land from coast to coast.