imperialism
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imperialism
A state's effort to expand its political, military, and economic power over other countries or peoples. This term particularly describes the policies of the major European powers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Im Geschichtsunterricht analysierten wir die Ursachen und Folgen des Imperialismus.
In history class, we analyzed the causes and consequences of imperialism.
The ending '-ismus' often denotes a political ideology, a worldview, or an era. As with 'Sozialismus' (socialism) or 'Kapitalismus' (capitalism), 'Imperialismus' (imperialism) describes a political system or ambition.
Der Imperialismus des 19. Jahrhunderts hatte weitreichende globale Auswirkungen.
The imperialism of the 19th century had far-reaching global effects.
Other words are derived from 'Imperialismus' (imperialism) that are useful in discussions about the topic: the adjective 'imperialistisch' (imperialist/imperialistic) and the person noun 'der Imperialist' (the male imperialist) or 'die Imperialistin' (the female imperialist).
Die Kritiker warfen der Regierung eine imperialistische Politik vor.
The critics accused the government of pursuing an imperialist policy.
This word belongs to the specialized language of history and political science. It is mainly used in academic, school, or journalistic contexts.
In der Debatte ging es um die wirtschaftlichen Motive des Imperialismus.
The debate was about the economic motives of imperialism.
colonialism
'der Imperialismus' and 'der Kolonialismus' both belong to history and politics and describe power over other countries or peoples. 'Imperialismus' is the broader term: a state wants to expand its political, military, or economic influence. This can happen through colonies, but also through pressure, control, or economic dependence. 'Kolonialismus' is more specific: a state occupies or directly controls another territory and exploits it economically. The words can be confused because European great powers often practiced both. As a simple guide: imperialism describes the drive for power; colonialism describes especially direct rule over colonies.
Für die Prüfung hat die Klasse den Imperialismus im 19. Jahrhundert wiederholt.
For the exam, the class reviewed imperialism in the 19th century.
Im Geschichtsunterricht sprechen wir über den Kolonialismus und seine Folgen für viele Länder.
In history class, we are talking about colonialism and its consequences for many countries.