Which of the following serves as an example of imperialism?(1 point)
Responses
the building of the HMS Dreadnought
the creation of Germany as a nation-state
Belgian expansion in the Congo
the adoption of the machine gun by the German army
Belgian expansion in the Congo
The correct answer is:
Belgian expansion in the Congo
To determine which of the options serves as an example of imperialism, we need to understand the concept of imperialism. Imperialism refers to a policy or ideology in which a country extends its influence or control over other nations, often by means of military force or economic dominance. It involves the acquisition and exploitation of territories, resources, or people by a more powerful country.
Now, if we assess the options:
1. The building of the HMS Dreadnought: The construction of a battleship like the HMS Dreadnought does not, by itself, exemplify imperialism. While battleships can be used to project power, the act of building a battleship alone does not necessarily indicate the acquisition or control of foreign territories.
2. The creation of Germany as a nation-state: The formation of Germany does not directly represent imperialism either. It was a result of political changes and diplomatic negotiations in Europe, specifically the 1871 unification of various German states under Prussian leadership. Nation-state creation, in itself, is not an example of imperialism.
3. Belgian expansion in the Congo: This option is a more accurate example of imperialism. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Belgium under King Leopold II acquired and colonized the Congo region in Central Africa. The Belgian government and private companies exploited the Congo's natural resources and exploited the local population for economic gain.
4. The adoption of the machine gun by the German army: The adoption of a weapon by a specific military force, such as the machine gun by the German army, is not directly related to imperialism. While military technology can be utilized during imperialistic ventures, the act of adopting a particular weapon does not inherently represent an imperialistic action.
Based on this analysis, the option that serves as an example of imperialism is "Belgian expansion in the Congo."