AICE International History Chapter 1 Review

Flashcards about Empire and the Emergence of World Powers.

What was the main reason for imperial expansion in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries?

The desire to find and exploit new trading opportunities.

What was the aim of the most powerful European nations following a policy of mercantilism?

To increase their wealth through trade by limiting the cost of imports and increasing the value of exports.

What did overseas possessions provide to European nations?

A cheap source of raw materials and labor, valuable products not available in Europe, and a guaranteed and lucrative market for European goods.

How did European businessmen and private companies become extremely wealthy?

By exploiting government-supported trading situations, including the slave trade.

How were slaves acquired during the Atlantic Slave Trade?

By bartering with local chieftains or capturing local people.

Why did imperialism decline according to the notes?

Maintaining overseas possessions and protecting vital trade routes was expensive and often led to war. New economic theories suggested wealth should be judged by the ability to produce goods and services, and Britain's industrial revolution incentivized investment in new methods.

What economic motives for imperialism were driven by industrialization?

The need for new sources of raw materials for sale and Entrepreneurs who made rapid profit from industrialization sought new places to invest their wealth.

What were Britain's economic advantages during the industrial revolution?

Britain was the first country to undergo the industrial revolution and developed steam-powered machinery, new techniques for steel and iron production, and railways and steamships.

According to the notes, what is nationalism?

The sense of belonging to a nation and supporting its interests above those of other nations.

What was the purpose of the Treaty of Berlin related to the 'Scramble for Africa'?

To lay down rules by which European nations should carry out their plans for expansion in Africa, avoiding conflict.

What was the original concern of Britain regarding Africa?

To protect its vital Indian Ocean trading routes.

What was King Leopold of Belgium prepared to use his own money for?

To pay for African territory that was considerably larger than Belgium itself.

What was the effect/benefits of European imperialism on Africa?

Education of native inhabitants, New systems of transport & communications, building roads, railways, Engineered water and sanitation systems, Developed administrative and government system, Introduced more efficient forms of farming and new. More productive crops, e.g., maize, cassava, cotton

What was the impact of European imperialism on Social aspects of Africa?

Africa was randomly partitioned according to the needs and wishes of Europeans
Arbitrary drawn boundaries: Little knowledge of the local geography, no understanding of tribal/ethnic groupings of the local people, refusing to take opinions of local chiefs into account.

What was the impact of European imperialism on culture of Africa?

Traditional African cultures were undermined as the European introduced Western style education, clothes, buildings, and religion.

What role did the government play in encouraging popular support for overseas expansion in France?

A leading role; gaining overseas possessions was seen as a way of restoring French prestige, and patriotism was fostered through a state education system.

How did the Fashoda Incident affect relations between Britain and France?

It almost led to war due to conflicting ambitions in Africa.

How was the Fashoda Incident resolved?

France recognized British possession of Egypt and Sudan, while Britain acknowledged the French presence in Morocco.

What was the aim of the USA negotiating an 'open door policy' in China?

To ensure that all foreign nations could enjoy the benefits of Chinese trade on an equal basis and to avoid one nation taking full control of China.

What was the outcome of the Boxer Rebellion?

Foreign powers defeated the rebellion, and China's government was forced to pay for the damage done to foreign-owned property.

What was the purpose of the Berlin Conference (1884-1885)?

To regulate European imperialism and trade in Africa and prevent conflict among European nations.

What was the main article of the Treaty of Berlin established during the Berlin Conference?

Free passage should be given to all ships on Niger and Congo rivers, allowing access to African interior, Also, Slavery should be abolished throughout the African continent.

What demonstrated that the countries were prepared to negotiate and compromise rather than go to war?

The fact that countries were prepared to negotiate and compromise, Example: The willingness of Britain and France to settle the Fashoda Incident by compromise rather than war.

What foreign power did Japan model their new constitution after?

Germany

What was the significance of the Meiji Restoration?

There was an obvious risk that Japan would face the same fate and be divided up between competing foreign powers. To avoid this possibility, Japanese people demanded the restoration of an emperor as head of government, instead of the military shogun.

What event highlighted Japan's growing military strength and posed a threat to European imperial interests in China?

The First Sino-Japanese War in 1894.

What were the terms of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance of 1902?

Britain and Japan agreed to remain neutral if either was involved in war. However, if either faced war against two or more opponents, the other would come to its aid. Britain recognized Japanese rights in Korea, while Japan agreed to protect British interests in the Far East.

What was the significance of Russian ships fired on British fishing boats?

British refused to negotiate and denied the Russian fleet access to the Suez Canal, forcing it to take the far long trip around Africa.

What were some of the benefits that Japan aquired during WW1?

• Japan began to supply the Far East region with goods that the European countries could no longer provide.
  -The Japanese merchant fleet almost doubled in size during the war years.
  -Japanese shipbuilding industry was also boosted; supplied Britain and Allies with shipping and other goods throughout the war.

What was the main concern of the USA related to the power Japan had during WW1?

The USA saw Japan’s attempts to exploit the weakness of China as a serious threat to its “open door policy’, and therefore its own commercial interest in China.

What geographical features confined the USA in the early 19th century?

Appalachian Mountains to the west, Atlantic Ocean to the east, Canada to the north, and Spanish territorial possessions to the south.

What policy did the USA follow for most of the 19th century?

A policy of isolationism, looking inward to develop their own way without outside interference.

What was the belief in 'Manifest Destiny'?

Claimed that the USA was destined to expand into, civilize and rule over the whole North American content.

How was life in the frontier described?

Areas which were wild, remote, dangerous and largely unsettled.

What did USA fear that caused them to approve to Monroe Doctrine?

USA feared that that if it didn’t acquire territories like California, then some hostile imperial power might.

What was the Monroe Doctrine?

The Monroe Doctrine stated that the USA would not interfere in European affairs, but that any attempt by European powers to intervene in the Americas would be viewed by the USA as an act of aggression and would be dealt with accordingly.

What did census from 1890 reveal?

Settlements had been established across the entire USA, with no untamed land areas left in which to settle, the government announced the frontier closed.

How was Cuba important to the US economy?

A great deal of American money was invested in the production of sugar, tobacco, and minerals- mainly nickel.