Industrial Revolution, Tokugawa Japan, and Imperialism

Urbanization

The growth of cities due to industrialization and migration.

Population Growth

Increase in population due to improved living conditions and industrial progress.

Growth of Middle Class

Expansion of a new social class benefiting from industrial wealth.

Industrial Working and Living Conditions

Harsh factory work, long hours, poor housing, and health risks.

Socialism

Economic system where the government owns and controls key industries to reduce inequality.

Communism

A classless, stateless society where the means of production are owned collectively.

Capitalism

Economic system where private individuals control production and operate for profit.

Free Market

An economic system where prices are determined by supply and demand with minimal government interference.

Industrial Revolution

Period of rapid industrial growth beginning in the 18th century, transforming economies and societies.

Tokugawa Japan / Edo Period

Feudal era of Japan (1603-1868) marked by political stability and isolation.

Shogun

Military ruler of Japan during the feudal period.

Shogunate

System of government led by a shogun.

Kabuki

Traditional Japanese theater combining drama, dance, and music.

Sakoku (Closed Door Trade Policy)

Isolationist policy restricting foreign trade and contact.

Meiji Restoration

Political and social revolution in Japan (1868) ending shogunate rule and modernizing the nation.

Japanese Industrialization

Rapid industrial and military modernization of Japan following the Meiji Restoration.

Colony

A territory controlled by a foreign power.

Protectorate

A state controlled and protected by another.

Karl Marx

Philosopher and economist known for developing the theory of communism and critiquing industrial capitalism.

Adam Smith

Economist and philosopher known for advocating free-market economies in 'The Wealth of Nations.'

Tokugawa Ieyasu

Founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years under a policy of isolation (sakoku).

Matthew Perry

U.S. naval officer whose expedition in 1853-1854 forced Japan to open its ports to Western trade.

Sphere of Influence

An area where one nation has significant cultural, economic, or political influence.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power through diplomacy or military force.

The White Man's Burden

A justification for imperialism based on the belief that Westerners had a duty to civilize other cultures.

Scramble for Africa

The rapid invasion, colonization, and division of African territories by European powers.

East India Company

British company that controlled trade and territory in India before direct British governance.

Opium Wars

Conflicts between Britain and China over trade imbalances and the opium trade.

Berlin Conference

1884-1885 meeting where European powers divided Africa without African input.

Jewel in the Crown

Term for India as the most valuable British colony.

Boxer Rebellion

Anti-foreign, anti-Christian uprising in China (1899-1901).

Crimes Against Humanity

Serious violations of human rights on a large scale.

The Belgian Congo

Site of severe exploitation and human rights abuses under King Leopold II.

Sepoy Rebellion

1857 uprising of Indian soldiers against British rule, also known as the Indian Mutiny.

Boer War

Conflicts between British and Boer settlers in South Africa (1880-1881, 1899-1902).

King Leopold II

Belgian king responsible for the exploitation of the Congo.

George Washington Williams

African-American historian who exposed atrocities in the Congo.

Menelik II

Ethiopian emperor who successfully resisted Italian colonization.

The Boxers

Chinese secret society that led the Boxer Rebellion against foreign influence.

Triple Entente / Allied Powers

Alliance between France, Russia, and Great Britain during WWI.

Triple Alliance / Central Powers

Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (later joined by the Ottoman Empire).

Battle of Tannenberg

Major Eastern Front battle where Germany defeated Russia in 1914.

Battle of the Somme

1916 battle known for its heavy casualties and limited Allied gains.

Trench Warfare

Defensive military strategy characterized by dug-in positions and prolonged stalemates.

MAIN Causes of WWI

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism.

Russian Revolution

Series of uprisings in 1917 leading to the fall of the Tsar and the rise of Bolshevik rule.

Propaganda

Information used to promote a political cause or viewpoint.

Lusitania

British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat, influencing U.S. entry into WWI.

Zimmerman Telegram

German proposal to Mexico to join the war against the U.S.

Treaty of Versailles

1919 treaty imposing harsh penalties on Germany and reshaping Europe.

Fourteen Points

Woodrow Wilson's plan for postwar peace and the creation of the League of Nations.