Chapter 18 Key Terms

Questions and Answers

What is a sphere of influence?

A sphere of influence is an area within which the political and economic interests of one nation are more important than those of other nations.

What is a protectorate?

A protectorate is a relationship in which one nation has protection and partial control over another, more powerful nation.

Define imperialism.

Imperialism is the extension of a nation's power and influence by gaining control over territory through political or military means.

What is economic imperialism?

Economic imperialism is the domination of one nation by another that is economically more powerful. Signup and view all the answers

What does militarism refer to?

Militarism is the predominance of the armed forces in making and carrying out the policies of a nation. Signup and view all the answers

Describe an authoritarian system.

An authoritarian system is one that favors concentration of power in leaders who are not responsible to the people. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dictatorship?

A dictatorship is a form of government in which total control is held by one all-powerful ruler. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes fascism?

Fascism is marked by strong central authority that places the nation, and often a race, above individual rights and freedoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is appeasement?

Appeasement is the policy of giving in to the demands of a political enemy to avoid conflict. Signup and view all the answers

Define genocide.

Genocide is the planned and systematic extermination of an entire racial, ethnic, political, or cultural group. Signup and view all the answers

What is a civilian?

A civilian is a person who is not an active member of a police or military force. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

Description

This quiz focuses on key terms from Chapter 18, providing definitions and examples for important concepts such as spheres of influence and protectorates. Use these flashcards to test your understanding of political and economic relationships between nations.