DTW GED PREP

Nations can become empires in two distinct ways: by expanding their borders through the conquest of adjoining lands or by establishing colonies in distant territories. The first type of empire involves direct territorial expansion, as seen with Rome, China, India, Russia, and the United States, which grew their empires by incorporating neighboring lands. In the case of the United States, this expansion occurred primarily within the continental region, though it also acquired overseas territories in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The second type of empire, seen with European powers like Spain, France, Prussia (later Germany), and Britain, involved the colonization of distant lands. These powers sought to extend their influence by establishing colonies across the globe, especially in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. European colonization was marked by military superiority, which allowed them to dominate local populations who lacked the means to resist effectively.

Colonization of Africa: European nations, notably Britain, France, Germany, and Belgium, divided Africa among themselves, with the exception of Ethiopia and Liberia. In Southeast Asia, colonial powers like Britain, France, and the Netherlands took control of nearly all the kingdoms, leaving Siam (now Thailand) as the sole independent nation.

Spanish and Portuguese Colonization: Spain established colonies in large parts of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, most of South America (except Brazil), and the Philippines in Asia. It also conquered large portions of what is now the United States. Portugal focused on Brazil, and its African colonies included Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau, while Macau was a significant Asian colony.

French and British Colonies: France colonized much of North and West Africa, as well as parts of Canada, the Great Lakes region, and the Louisiana Territory (which it later sold to the U.S.). In India, France and Britain competed for dominance, with Britain ultimately taking control of the region in 1850. Britain also colonized parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand.

Economic Exploitation and Markets: The colonizing nations profited immensely from their colonies by extracting valuable natural resources such as gold, oil, metals, and timber. The colonies also served as exclusive markets for the goods manufactured in Europe, ensuring a steady flow of wealth back to the colonizing countries.

The age of colonization came to an end after World War II, largely due to two main factors: European powers could no longer afford to maintain their far-flung colonies, and the colonized peoples, inspired by nationalist movements and a desire for independence, began to rebel against foreign rule. This marked the beginning of decolonization, where many nations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas gained independence throughout the mid-20th century.

BUILDING EMPIRES

Directions: Select the correct answer for each of the following questions.

1. For each country or region listed below, write the name of the country that colonized it in the appropriate column of the table. Then, place each statement in the correct column of the table. (Note: On the actual GED® test, you will drag and drop the country names into the table.)

SPAIN

• Central America
• Mexico
• The Philippines
• South America (large parts, especially western)

PORTUGAL

• Brazil
• Macau
• Mozambique
• Angola
• Guinea-Bissau

BRITAIN

• India
• Australia
• New Zealand

FRANCE

• Vietnam
• Louisiana Territory
• Great Lakes Region (in North America)