Unit 5 Revolutions

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

19th Century Imperialism

Empire-building by industrialized nations to consolidate control over colonies and establish new ones.

Industrialization

The development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale, which spurred imperialistic efforts.

In-Demand Resources

Resources sought after by imperial powers, including cotton, rubber, iron, coal, and oil.

Berlin Conference

The 1884 meeting where European powers divided Africa among themselves, leading to colonization.

Economic Imperialism

Control of an economy through manipulation or exploitation by an imperial power.

British Raj

The period of British rule in India from 1858 to 1947.

Social Darwinism

A theory that applies the principles of evolution to social, political, and economic factors, often misused to justify imperialism.

Nationalism

Intense pride in one’s own nation, its people, and its culture, which fueled imperial ambitions.

Cecil Rhodes

A British imperialist and politician known for his expansionist policies in Africa.

The Great Famine (Irish Potato Famine)

An event in the 1840s that led to mass emigration from Ireland due to food shortages.

Push Factors

Conditions that drive people to emigrate from their home region or country.

Pull Factors

Conditions that attract people to immigrate to a new region or country.

Forced Labor

Labor that is performed involuntarily under threat of violence or punishment.

Settler Colonies

Colonial territory where settlers from a home country permanently inhabit.

Militarization

The process of preparing military forces for potential conflict, often leads to heightened tensions.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Triple Alliance

A military alliance formed between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy before WWI.

Triple Entente

A military alliance formed between France, Britain, and Russia before WWI.

Opium Wars

Conflicts between China and Western powers (mainly Britain) over opium trade in the 19th century.

The Treaty of Nanjing

An 1842 treaty that ended the First Opium War and ceded Hong Kong to Britain.

British East India Company

A British trading company that played a major role in the British colonial rule in India.

The Pax Britannica

A period of British dominance in global affairs during the 19th century.

Sepoy Rebellion

A widespread but unsuccessful rebellion against British rule in India in 1857.

Imperialist Expansion

The process by which powerful nations expand their influence through conquest and colonization.

Eugenics

A social philosophy advocating the improvement of human genetic traits through selective breeding.

Self-Determination

The right of a people or nation to decide on its own political status without external influence.

Imperial Rivalries

Conflicts and competition among imperial powers for resources and territory.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.

Ethnic Enclaves

Neighborhoods or areas where people of the same ethnicity live and maintain their culture.

Great Commission

The Christian mandate to spread the gospel, often used to justify missionary efforts during imperialism.

Scientific Racism

The use of flawed scientific theories to justify racial discrimination and imperialism.

Colonial Economies

Economic systems established in colonized regions focused on resource extraction and export.

Indigenous Peoples

The original inhabitants of a region, often exploited or marginalized during colonization.

The Mexican Revolution

A major armed struggle from 1910 to 1920 that transformed Mexican culture and government.

The Boxer Rebellion

An anti-imperialist uprising in China from 1899 to 1901 aimed at expelling foreign influence.

Total War

A conflict where nations mobilize all resources and engage all aspects of society to achieve victory.

Zionism

A nationalist movement for the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Nativism

The policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants.

Urbanization

The process of population movement from rural areas to cities.

Trade Routes

Routes used for commerce, essential for the exchange of goods and resources.

Industrial Capitalism

An economic system where trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit.

The Spanish-American War

A conflict between the US and Spain in 1898, resulting in US territorial gains.

Socialism

A political and economic theory advocating for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production.

Militarism

The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability.

Bessemer Process

A method for mass-producing steel, which increased steel production efficiency.

Civilizing Mission

The justification for imperialism that aimed to 'civilize' other cultures.

Guano

Bird excrement used as fertilizer, highly sought during imperialism.

Racial Hierarchy

A socially constructed classification of people based on perceived racial superiority or inferiority.

Great Powers

The most powerful and influential nations of the world, especially in the context of 20th century politics.

Environmental Factors

Natural factors influencing human settlements, resource distribution, and economic development.

Labor Migration

The movement of people from one place to another for the purpose of employment.

The Taiping Rebellion

A massive civil war in China from 1850 to 1864 against the Qing Dynasty.

Exploitation

The action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work.

Cultural Imperialism

The imposition of one culture over another, often through colonial or economic influence.

The Great Migration

The mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North.

Internal Rebellions

Uprisings within a country against the established government or ruling power.

Genocide

The deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, ethnic, or national group.

Industrial Revolution

A period of significant industrial growth and technological innovation from the late 18th to 19th centuries.

Manchuria

A region in Northeast Asia, heavily influenced and contested during imperialistic expansion.

The Opium Trade

The trade of opium primarily between British traders and China, leading to the Opium Wars.

Autarky

Economic independence or self-sufficiency.

Cultural Resistance

The act of asserting cultural identity against colonial or imperial forces.

Anti-Imperialist Movements

Efforts and movements opposing imperialism and colonial rule.

Communism

A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society in which all property is publicly owned.

Self-Rule

The right or ability of a group to govern itself without interference from outside forces.

What was the impact of the Taiping Rebellion?

The Taiping Rebellion, which occurred in China from 1850 to 1864, was one of the deadliest conflicts in history, with millions of deaths. It challenged the Qing Dynasty and highlighted the need for reform in China.

How did the Boxer Rebellion relate to foreign influence in China?

The Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901) was an anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising in China. It was largely a response to foreign imperialist expansion and the influx of missionaries.

What was the Yaa Asantewaa Rebellion?

The Yaa Asantewaa Rebellion, also known as the War of the Golden Stool, took place in 1900 in the Gold Coast (modern-day Ghana) against British colonial rule. It was led by Yaa Asantewaa, the queen mother of the Asante Empire, in response to the British demand to examine the Golden Stool, a sacred symbol of Asante unity and identity.

What were the causes of the Yaa Asantewaa Rebellion?

The main causes of the Yaa Asantewaa Rebellion included British disrespect for Asante culture and traditions, the demand for the Golden Stool, and colonial oppression faced by the Asante people.

What was the outcome of the Yaa Asantewaa Rebellion?

The outcome of the Yaa Asantewaa Rebellion was the defeat of the Asante forces by the British. Yaa Asantewaa was captured and exiled, and the British further solidified their control over the Asante region, leading to increased colonial rule and repression.

What impact did Yaa Asantewaa have on African nationalism?

Yaa Asantewaa became a symbol of resistance against colonial rule and inspired future movements for independence and nationalism in Africa, highlighting the role of women in anti-colonial struggles.

What event is widely recognized as the spark that ignited World War I?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28, 1914, is commonly recognized as the immediate spark that ignited World War I. He was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the nationalist group known as the Black Hand.

What were the main alliances in Europe prior to the outbreak of World War I?

Prior to WWI, Europe was divided into major alliances: the Triple Entente, which included France, Russia, and Britain, and the Triple Alliance, composed of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. These alliances created a web of political commitments that escalated the conflict.

How did nationalism contribute to the outbreak of World War I?

Nationalism, which fostered intense pride and competition among nations, fueled tensions. Countries sought to assert their dominance and protect their interests, leading to hostility between nations and ethnic groups, particularly in the Balkans.

What role did militarism play in the lead-up to World War I?

Militarism, the build-up of armed forces and military influence in politics, heightened tensions in Europe. Nations expanded their armies and navies, leading to an arms race that contributed to a climate primed for war.

What impact did imperialism have on the causes of World War I?

Imperialism created rivalries among the major powers as they competed for colonies and resources, particularly in Africa and Asia. These ambitions heightened tensions and distrust between countries, contributing to the causes of World War I.