“Throughout all of history, colonialism has been King.”

"Ancient civilizations," such as the Romans, were attempting to conquer the world as early as the 8th century. The years between 1800 and 1900 saw a huge push for the growth of empire. The great powers of Europe (such as France and England) began to carve up the country of Africa, claiming land and resources for themselves and subjugating the native people. America was participating in its own Manifest Destiny, adding hundreds of thousands of square miles to the content of the United States. War with Mexico would result in the addition of even more territory added. By 1900, the continental United States would be complete. During the Victorian Era, every country that had enough power was trying to obtain as much as they possibly could to grow their empire and become even more powerful.

The maps above illustrate the reach of colonialism in 1800 (top) and 1914 (above).

For a more detailed history of Imperialism, see this video.

Learn more about the novel Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne.

Original Novel

Learn more about the culture surrounding 19th-Century British Imperialism

British Imperialism

This page compiled by Kaytlin Jacoby & Angie James.