National Unification, European Society, and Imperialism

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to National Unification, European Society, and Imperialism from 1860 to 1914.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of a particular nation, often in contrast to foreign influence or control.

Italian Unification

The political and social movement that consolidated various states of the Italian peninsula into the single state of Italy in the 19th century.

Otto von Bismarck

The German statesman who masterminded the unification of Germany and served as its first Chancellor.

Realpolitik

A system of politics based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations.

Industrial Revolution

The period of major industrialization that took place during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, marked by the transition to new manufacturing processes.

Second Industrial Revolution

A phase of the Industrial Revolution characterized by the expansion of electrical power, communication innovations, and the development of the internal combustion engine.

Mass production

The production of large quantities of standardized products, often using assembly lines.

Marx & the Communist Manifesto

A political pamphlet by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that critiques capitalism and outlines the theory of communism.

Feminism

A movement advocating for the rights of women on the ground of political, social, and economic equality to men.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Antisemitism

Prejudice against, hatred of, or discrimination against Jews.

Zionism

A nationalist movement for the re-establishment and support of a Jewish nation, particularly in Palestine.

Quinine

A medication used to treat malaria, important for European colonization in Africa.

Scramble for Africa

The rapid invasion of Africa by European powers during the late 19th century.

Boxer Rebellion

An anti-foreign, anti-colonial uprising in China between 1899 and 1901.

Meiji Restoration

The period of rapid modernization and industrialization in Japan from 1868 to 1912.

Kaiser

The German emperor, especially during the time of the German Empire (1871–1918).

Bourgeoisie

The middle class, typically associated with capitalist society and owning the means of production.

Proletariat

The working class, particularly in the context of capitalist societies.

Dictatorship of the proletariat

A state in which the proletariat has control of political power.

Revisionists

Marxists who advocate for reform through democratic means rather than revolution.

Cecil Rhodes

A British imperialist and businessman instrumental in the expansion of the British Empire in Africa.

Otto von Bismarck

The German statesman who masterminded the unification of Germany and served as its first Chancellor.

Karl Marx

A philosopher and economist known for his theories about capitalism and communism, co-authoring the Communist Manifesto.

Cecil Rhodes

A British imperialist and businessman instrumental in the expansion of the British Empire in Africa.

Emmeline Pankhurst

A British suffragette who led the movement to win the right to vote for women in the early 20th century.

Sun Yat-sen

A Chinese revolutionary and the first provisional president of the Republic of China, known for his role in overthrowing the Qing dynasty

Congo Free State & Belgium's King Leopold II

The Congo Free State was a large area in Central Africa that was privately controlled by King Leopold II of Belgium from 1885 to 1908, noted for its exploitation and atrocities committed against the Congolese people.

Blood and Iron

A phrase used by Otto von Bismarck, referring to his belief that the unification of Germany would be achieved through warfare (blood) and industrial strength (iron).

Franco-Prussian War

A conflict from 1870 to 1871 between France and Prussia that resulted in the unification of Germany and significant territorial losses for France.

Giuseppe Garibaldi

An Italian general and nationalist who played a crucial role in the unification of Italy, particularly known for his leadership of the Expedition of the Thousand in 1860.

Cavour - Lombardy

Count Camillo di Cavour was a leading figure in the Italian unification, and he played a key role in the unification of the Lombardy region of Italy through diplomatic and military means.

Bessemer Process

A method for producing steel by removing impurities from molten iron, invented by Henry Bessemer, significantly impacting the industrial revolution.

Kulturkampf

A conflict between the German government and the Catholic Church during the 1870s, aimed at reducing the influence of the clergy in political matters.

Negative integration

A concept in political science referring to the removal of existing barriers to integration between states, rather than the establishment of new cooperative frameworks.

Positive integration

A concept that describes the creation of new institutions or frameworks that foster cooperation and collaboration between states.

Minié ball (bullet)

A conical bullet with a hollow base that was used in the Civil War and caused devastating injuries, leading to significant changes in military tactics.

Sphere of influence

A foreign policy concept referring to a region over which a country has significant cultural, economic, military, or political influence, but not direct control.

Ethiopia

A country in the Horn of Africa that, notably, successfully resisted colonization by European powers during the scramble for Africa, defeating Italy at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.

Liberia

A West African country founded by freed American slaves in the 19th century, remaining largely independent during the European colonial period.

“Women in White”

A reference to women nurses, particularly associated with Florence Nightingale, who became prominent during the Crimean War for their work in improving hospital conditions.

Florence Nightingale

A foundational figure in modern nursing, known for her pioneering work during the Crimean War and for establishing nursing as a profession.

Pogroms

Violent riots aimed at the massacre or persecution of Jews in Eastern Europe, particularly during the late 19th and early 20