Chapter 18 Key Terms

Sphere of Influence

• Refers to a geographical area where one nation's political and economic interests outweigh those of others.
• Historical context includes China's struggle against European powers and Japan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Protectorate

• Describes a relationship where a stronger nation exerts partial control and protection over a weaker one.
• Example includes Russia's establishment of a protectorate over Mongolia after seizing Chinese Manchuria in the early 1900s.

Imperialism

• Defined as the expansion of a nation's power through territorial control, involving political or military dominance.
• German and Japanese imperialism in the early 20th century aimed at extending their influence beyond their borders.

Economic Imperialism

• Characterized by one nation's dominance over another through economic means, including powerful corporations.
• U.S. and European economic practices in Latin America led to development while also sparking nationalism among locals.

Militarism

• Describes the prioritization of military strength in national policy and governance.
• Post-World War I nationalism expressed through militarism and fascism contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

Authoritarian

• An authoritarian system centralizes power in leaders who disregard accountability to the populace.
• Such regimes often emerge during political or economic crises, as people seek stability.

Dictatorship

• A form of government where one individual possesses total control over the state.
• Following World War I, countries like Italy and Germany experienced a rise in dictatorships as a response to their socio-economic challenges.

Fascism

• A political ideology that emphasizes a strong central authority, often elevating the nation or race above individual rights.
• Benito Mussolini's leadership epitomizes fascism’s emergence in early 20th-century Europe.

Appeasement

• Policy aimed at preventing conflict by conceding to the demands of an adversary.
• Great Britain and France's appeasement strategy was intended to avoid war but ultimately failed to contain aggression.

Genocide

• The systematic and planned extermination of an entire group based on racial, ethnic, political, or cultural identity.
• The Holocaust resulted in the murder of approximately six million Jews and others under Nazi regime policies.

Civilian

• Refers to individuals who are not serving in military or law enforcement capacities.
• In World War II, about 25% of fatalities were civilians, highlighting the war's widespread impact on non-combatants.