AP Modern World History Flashcards: State Expansion
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
Define 'land-based expansion' as it applied to the U.S., Russia, and Japan.
This refers to the process of extending a state's borders by conquering and settling territories directly connected or adjacent to its existing land.
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Define 'land-based expansion' as it applied to the U.S., Russia, and Japan.
This refers to the process of extending a state's borders by conquering and settling territories directly connected or adjacent to its existing land.
Which two European powers saw their global influence decline during this period of state expansion?
The influence of the Spanish and Portuguese empires declined significantly as other European states, the U.S., and Japan expanded their power.
What is a settler colony?
A settler colony is a territory where people from the imperial power migrate and establish permanent residence, often displacing the indigenous population.
Identify the primary methods used by European states to expand their empires in Africa.
European states utilized both warfare, through military conquest, and diplomacy, through treaties and agreements, to establish and grow their African empires.
What was a major process of state expansion for the United States, Russia, and Japan between 1750 and 1900?
These states expanded their land holdings primarily by conquering and settling neighboring territories, creating large contiguous empires.
How did the process of state expansion differ between Russia and Great Britain?
Russia primarily expanded by conquering adjacent land territories, while Great Britain established a global maritime empire with many overseas colonies.
How did the administration of some existing colonies change during this era?
Some states strengthened their power by assuming direct control over colonies that had previously been managed by non-state entities, like trading companies.
What was the key difference between a state assuming 'direct control' versus control by a 'non-state entity'?
Direct control means the colony is governed by official representatives of the imperial state, whereas non-state entities were private organizations like trading companies.
In which two major world regions did Europeans, Americans, and Japanese primarily acquire new territories?
These powers primarily acquired new territories and expanded their influence throughout Asia and the Pacific, as well as Africa.
Based on the provided text, give an example of a European settler colony.
New Zealand is an example of a settler colony that Europeans established within their empire during this period.
Which new powers rose to prominence by acquiring territories in Asia and the Pacific from 1750-1900?
In addition to European states, the United States and Japan also became major imperial powers by acquiring territories throughout Asia and the Pacific.
A European government takes over the administration of an African territory previously run by a private trading company. What process does this exemplify?
This exemplifies the shift from control by a non-state entity to direct control by a state, a process used to strengthen power over existing colonies.
What was the general trend regarding state power across the world from 1750 to 1900?
State power shifted as certain European nations, the U.S., and Japan expanded their empires, while the influence of older powers like Spain and Portugal waned.
A European nation forces an African king to sign a treaty ceding land, then later sends an army to occupy the region. Which expansion methods are being used?
This demonstrates the combined use of diplomacy (the treaty) and warfare (military occupation) to expand an empire in Africa.