The Age of Imperialism (1875-1914)

These flashcards cover key concepts and events from the Age of Imperialism, focusing on the political, economic, and cultural dynamics that shaped the era.

What was the significance of the 19th century in relation to European colonialism?

The 19th century is remembered as the period when European colonialism intensified, with European states dominating nearly the entire known world.

What does nationalism refer to in the context of the 19th century?

Nationalism is the ideal that identifies and exalts natural, cultural, and mythical ties within a population to assert political unification or expansion, underpinning the modern nation-states.

What title was given to Queen Victoria in 1876, and what was its significance?

Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India, marking a gesture to link the monarchy with the empire and bind India closely to Britain.

What were some of the famines that occurred during the late 19th century?

Significant famines included the Great Drought and Famine (1876-1879), the famine in Ethiopia and Sudan (1889-1891), and famines in India and China (1896-1902), caused by various factors including colonial policies.

What was the Great Divergence?

The Great Divergence refers to the socioeconomic shift during the 19th century where the Western world emerged as the most powerful and wealthy civilization, overcoming pre-modern growth constraints.

What innovations characterized the Second Industrial Revolution?

Key innovations included the internal combustion engine and the use of electrical energy, leading to industrial and financial restructuring, and the development of assembly line production.

What events characterized the Great Depression of the late 19th century?

The Great Depression (1873-1895) was marked by an overproduction crisis and the aftermath of events like the Franco-Prussian War and the Great Chicago Fire.

How did imperialism relate to economic factors according to John A. Hobson?

John A. Hobson argued that European expansion was driven by the over-accumulation of capital in need of new markets, leading to imperialism.

What was Rosa Luxemburg's view on imperialism?

Rosa Luxemburg viewed imperialism as the violent subjugation of native people, arguing that capital accumulation could not be achieved through peaceful competition.

What are some cultural factors that supported imperialist ideologies?

Cultural factors included myths, racism, the civilizing mission, and Orientalism, which promoted stereotypes of non-Western societies as inferior.

What was the significance of the First Opium War (1839-1842) for China?

The First Opium War forced China to sign the Treaty of Nanking, which opened ports and led to unequal treaties benefiting Western powers.

What triggered the Boxer Uprising in China?

The Boxer Uprising was a revolt against Western influence, marked by the symbolic destruction of railways, Christian missions, and embassies due to xenophobic and anti-colonial sentiments.

What characterized the Meiji Restoration in Japan?

The Meiji Restoration involved the abolition of feudalism, the establishment of a modern state, and the adoption of Western technologies and practices to become an imperial power.

How did Japan's imperialism differ from that of Western countries?

Unlike Western countries, Japan's imperialism was characterized by accelerated capitalist growth and military victories, exemplified by its defeats of China and Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

What was the White Man's Burden?

The White Man's Burden refers to the perceived duty of Western powers to civilize non-Western peoples, often used to justify imperialist policies.

What impact did technological advancements have on imperialism?

Technological advancements, such as steamships and telegraphs, gave European powers military superiority over colonized regions, facilitating imperial expansion.

How did the Third World concept develop in the 19th century?

The concept of the Third World developed as economies of colonized regions became subordinate to imperial interests, leading to significant inequalities.