1. Expansion of Empires:
- European powers embarked on a period of imperialism and territorial expansion, leading to the colonization of vast regions across the world.
- Major empires like the British Empire, French Empire, Spanish Empire, and Russian Empire acquired colonies in Asia, Africa and America, reshaping the political map of the world.
2. Scramble for Africa:
- The late 19th century witnessed the "Scramble for Africa," a period of intense competition among European powers to colonize African territories.
- European countries arbitrarily divided Africa based on their political interests, disregarding ethnic, linguistic, and cultural boundaries, which has had lasting effects on modern African politics.
3. Rise of the United States:
- The United States emerged as a major world power during this period, acquiring territories such as the Philippines, Hawaii, and Guam as a result of the Spanish-American War.
- The United States also expanded westward, gaining control over territories that would later become states, shaping the geography of the North American continent.
4. Colonization of the Americas:
- The colonization of the Americas by European powers continued during this period, with the establishment of colonies in North, Central and South America.
- The introduction of European settlers, along with the forced migration and enslavement of African peoples, had profound demographic, cultural and economic impacts on the Americas.
5. Transportation and Communication Revolutions:
- Advances in transportation and communication technologies, such as steam-powered ships and telegraph, facilitated increased mobility and connectivity across the globe.
- These developments made it easier for imperial powers to control and administer their far-flung colonies.
6. New Nations and Independence Movements:
- Some colonized regions, inspired by ideals of nationalism and self-determination, fought for and gained independence during this period.
- The emergence of newly independent nations led to changes in the composition and landscape of the international community.
7. Shifting Trade Routes:
- The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 significantly altered trade routes between Europe and Asia, bypassing the long and dangerous journey around the Cape of Good Hope.
- This shift had profound effects on global trade patterns and the economies of various regions.
8. Urbanization:
- The period of imperialism also saw rapid urbanization, primarily in Europe and North America, as people moved from rural areas to industrial cities in search of jobs and better living conditions.
- This transformative shift impacted urban landscapes and the distribution of population.
Overall, the period rule profoundly changed the geography of world, leaving lasting legacies that shape the political, cultural and economic dynamics of the modern world.