SAT Subject Test in World History

An in-depth exploration of significant events, themes, and figures in world history, preparing students for the SAT Subject Test.

Advanced Topics

Imperialism and Global Interactions

Connecting and Conquering the World

Imperialism is when a country extends its power over other lands. This shaped world history from ancient empires to the colonial age.

European Colonialism

From the 16th to 19th centuries, European powers like Britain, France, and Spain established colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This brought new technologies, but also exploitation and resistance.

Global Trade and Exchange

The Columbian Exchange transferred plants, animals, people, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds. Globalization started centuries ago!

Legacy and Consequences

The effects of imperialism—cultural blending, economic inequality, and ongoing conflicts—are still felt today.

How It Shapes the World

Understanding imperialism helps explain modern relationships between countries and the roots of many global issues.

Examples

  • The British Raj in India led to both modernization and resistance movements.

  • The spread of smallpox devastated indigenous populations in the Americas.

In a Nutshell

Imperialism and global interactions connected the world, but also created new challenges.