Introduction: Why Imperialism Matters in AP World
Imperialism shaped the modern world. From European colonial expansion in Africa and Asia to the rise of U.S. and Japanese empires, imperialism transformed politics, economics, and societies between the 18th and 20th centuries.
For AP World History, imperialism is a core Unit 6 topic (1750–1900), but it also connects to earlier colonization (1450–1750) and to later decolonization movements (1900–present). Understanding its causes, methods, impacts, and resistance is crucial for essays, DBQs, and multiple-choice questions.
This guide reviews the big picture of imperialism and gives you strategies to score high on exam day with the help of RevisionDojo resources.
Step 1: Defining Imperialism
- Old Imperialism (1450–1750): Focused on trade, colonization in the Americas, mercantilism.
- New Imperialism (1750–1900): Driven by industry, nationalism, and competition. Expanded into Africa and Asia.
👉 On the exam, you’ll mainly be tested on New Imperialism in the 19th century.
Step 2: Causes of New Imperialism
- Economic: Industrial Revolution created need for raw materials (cotton, rubber, coal) and new markets.
- Political: Nationalism + competition for prestige.
- Military: Stronger navies required overseas bases.
- Ideological: “White Man’s Burden,” Social Darwinism.
- Religious: Missionary work to spread Christianity.
👉 Remember “EPMIR” (Economic, Political, Military, Ideological, Religious) as the five causes.
Step 3: Key Regions of Imperialism
Africa
- Berlin Conference (1884–85) divided Africa among European powers.
- British in Egypt (Suez Canal), South Africa.
- French in West Africa.
- Congo exploited by King Leopold II of Belgium.
Asia
- British Raj in India.
- Opium Wars → British controlled Hong Kong.
- French in Indochina.
- Dutch in Indonesia.
Americas & Pacific
- U.S. gained Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam after Spanish-American War (1898).
- Japan expanded into Korea + Taiwan after Meiji Restoration.
Step 4: Resistance to Imperialism
- India: Sepoy Rebellion (1857).
- Africa: Zulu resistance under Shaka Zulu, Mahdist Revolt in Sudan.
- China: Boxer Rebellion (1899–1901).
- Japan: Avoided colonization by modernizing quickly (Meiji Restoration).
👉 AP World loves essays on resistance vs adaptation.
Step 5: Impacts of Imperialism
- Economic: Colonies exploited for raw materials; cash crops hurt local economies.
- Political: Artificial borders (Africa) → later conflicts.
- Social: Spread of Western education, Christianity.
- Cultural: Blending + resistance; rise of nationalism in colonies.
- Global: Connected to industrial capitalism + globalization.
Step 6: Imperialism in the AP Exam
SAQ Example: Identify one cause and one effect of imperialism in the 19th century.
DBQ Example: “Evaluate the impacts of imperialism in Africa.”
- Documents might include European justifications, African resistance speeches, political cartoons.
LEQ Example: “Compare imperialism in Africa and Asia between 1750–1900.”
👉 Use SPICE-T (Social, Political, Interaction, Cultural, Economic, Technology) to organize essays.
Step 7: Memory Tricks
- Scramble for Africa = Berlin Conference.
- India = Jewel in the Crown (British Raj).
- China = Opium Wars + Spheres of Influence.
- Japan = Meiji → Industrialized, not colonized.
👉 RevisionDojo flashcards cover these key terms.
Step 8: Common Mistakes Students Make
- Mixing up Old vs New Imperialism.
- Forgetting non-European imperialism (U.S., Japan).
- Treating colonies as passive victims — instead, show resistance and agency.
- Only focusing on Africa, ignoring Asia + Pacific.
Step 9: Real-World Student Example
One AP World student:
- Made a chart comparing imperialism in Africa vs Asia.
- Practiced DBQs on Africa.
- Memorized “EPMIR” for causes.
- Used RevisionDojo’s essay guides.
Result → scored a 5, saying “imperialism essays became easy after organizing the causes and impacts.”
Step 10: How RevisionDojo Helps with Imperialism Review
RevisionDojo provides:
- Cause-effect charts of imperialism.
- Resistance case studies (Sepoy, Boxer, Zulu, Mahdist).
- Practice DBQs on Africa and Asia.
- Comparison charts for Old vs New Imperialism.
👉 Check out RevisionDojo’s Imperialism Study Hub for full resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the difference between Old and New Imperialism?
A: Old (1450–1750) focused on Americas + trade; New (1750–1900) focused on Africa + Asia with industrial capitalism.
Q: Why did Europe dominate Africa in the 19th century?
A: Industrial technology (guns, steamships) and medicine (quinine).
Q: Did colonized nations resist?
A: Yes — Sepoy Rebellion, Zulu resistance, Boxer Rebellion, Mahdist Revolt.
Q: How does imperialism connect to decolonization?
A: Imperial domination fueled nationalist movements that demanded independence in the 20th century.
Q: How is imperialism tested on the exam?
A: Multiple-choice, SAQs, DBQs (especially Africa), and LEQs comparing regions.
Final Thoughts
Imperialism is one of the most testable themes in AP World. Understanding its causes, impacts, and resistance will help you on every section of the exam.
Remember: connect imperialism to the Industrial Revolution (cause) and to Decolonization (effect). With strong essay practice and RevisionDojo resources, imperialism can be one of your strongest topics on test day.
