What is Expansionism?
Expansionism is the belief or practice of expanding a nation's territorial or economic boundaries. This can be achieved through various means, such as colonization, annexation, conquest, or economic domination.
Causes of Expansionism
Expansionism can be driven by various factors, including:
- Nationalism: A desire to assert a nation's power and prestige by expanding its territory.
- Economic Interests: The pursuit of new markets, natural resources, and trade routes.
- Strategic Military Objectives: Securing strategic locations for military bases and defense purposes.
- Ideological or Religious Motivations: Spreading a particular ideology or religion to new territories.
- European Colonialism: The colonization of Africa, Asia, and the Americas by European powers in the 15th to 20th centuries.
- Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century belief in the United States that it was destined to expand across the North American continent.
- Imperialism: The expansion of empires such as the British, French, and Ottoman empires in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Modern Expansionism: The geopolitical expansion and influence exerted by major powers in the contemporary era, such as Russia's annexation of Crimea and China's territorial claims in the South China Sea.
- Geopolitical Changes: Shifting borders, the creation of new nations, and the redrawing of international boundaries.
- Cultural Exchange: The spread of language, customs, and traditions to newly acquired territories.
- Conflict and Resistance: Often, expansionism leads to conflict with indigenous populations or rival nations resisting the expansion.
- Economic Impacts: The exploitation of resources in newly acquired territories and the development of new markets for goods and services.
- Understand the historical context and specific motivations behind expansionist policies.
- Analyze the impact of expansionism on both the expanding nation and the territories affected.
- Consider the ethical and moral implications of expansionism, including the treatment of indigenous peoples and the consequences of territorial acquisition.
- Examine the contemporary relevance of expansionism in the context of modern geopolitics and international relations.
Historical Examples of Expansionism
Throughout history, many nations have pursued expansionist policies. Some notable examples include:
Effects of Expansionism
The practice of expansionism has had various effects on both the expanding nation and the territories being expanded into. These effects can include:
Study Tips
When studying expansionism, it is important to:
[Expansionism] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Expansionism
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Expansionism 
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Expansionism Worksheet/Answer key
Expansionism Worksheet/Answer key
Expansionism Worksheet/Answer key
Expansionism
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)
How does the government established by the constitution embody the purposes, values, and principles of American democracy? What does the national government do?
Major responsibilities for domestic and foreign policy. Students should be able to explain the major responsibilities of the national government for domestic and foreign policy. To achieve this standard, students should be able to
Identify historical and contemporary examples of important foreign policies, e.g., Monroe Doctrine, Marshall Plan, immigration acts, foreign aid, arms control, promoting democracy and human rights throughout the world
National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)
Historical Thinking Standards
Historical Comprehension
Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.
United States History Content Standards
Era 4: Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)
United States territorial expansion between 1801 and 1861, and how it affected relations with external powers and Native Americans.
The student understands the international background and consequences of the Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812, and the Monroe Doctrine.
Era 6: The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900)
Federal Indian policy and United States foreign policy after the Civil War.
The student understands the roots and development of American expansionism and the causes and outcomes of the Spanish-American War.
World History Content Standards
Era 7: An Age of Revolutions, 1750-1914
Patterns of nationalism, state-building, and social reform in Europe and the Americas, 1830-1914.
The student understands the political, economic, and social transformations in the Americas in the 19th century.