Imperialism: Causes, Key Events, and Impact on Africa, India, and China

What is imperialism?

Domination by one country of the political, economic, or cultural life of another region, also called colonization.

What were the four reasons for imperialism?

Nationalism, Economics, Religion, Darwinism.

What does nationalism refer to in the context of imperialism?

Pride in one's country leading to competition among industrialized nations.

What economic interests drove imperialism?

Desire to sell more goods and need for natural resources like coal, oil, and iron.

How did religion influence imperialism?

Many Europeans believed it was their duty to 'save' non-Christians whom they viewed as 'barbarians'.

What is Social Darwinism?

The belief that Europeans were more advanced and should conquer non-white people to help them 'become' civilized.

What is a mother country?

A country that uses colonies to obtain raw materials and markets.

What was the Scramble for Africa?

The invasion and colonization of most of Africa by major European countries.

What was the outcome of the Berlin Conference of 1884?

European nations decided which areas of Africa each would control, with no Africans allowed at the conference.

Who were the Zulus?

A native African tribe led by Shaka, who organized warriors to fight against Europeans.

What was the Boer War?

A conflict between the Dutch and British over control of South Africa's gold and diamonds from 1899 to 1902.

What technological advantages did Europe have over Africa?

Superior technology, industrialization, access to medicines, and advanced weapons.

What was the White Man's Burden?

A poem by Rudyard Kipling that justified imperialism as a moral duty to civilize Africa.

What was the British East India Company?

A British company that traded in India since the 1500s and grew in influence as the Mughal Empire declined.

What was the Sepoy Rebellion?

An uprising of Indian soldiers against British control in 1857-1858 due to cultural disrespect.

What were the outcomes of the Sepoy Rebellion?

Increased mistrust, direct British control over India, and a rise in Indian nationalism.

What was the British Raj?

Britain's rule over India, during which India was referred to as the 'brightest jewel' of the British Empire.

What impact did the Sepoy Rebellion have on British policy in India?

It led to more troops being sent to India and raised taxes on Indians.

How much of Africa was controlled by Europe by 1914?

97% of Africa.

What was the significance of diamonds in South Africa?

They were a major reason for conflict between the Dutch and British.

What was the main cause of the Sepoy Rebellion?

The greasing of bullets with pig/cow fat, which offended Indian soldiers' religious beliefs.

What was the impact of European industrialization on imperialism?

It provided the technological superiority that allowed Europe to dominate other regions.

What was the relationship between the British and the Mughal Empire in India?

The British East India Company gained power as the Mughal Empire declined.

What was the outcome of the Boer War for Britain?

Britain won and controlled South Africa until 1994.

What was the effect of the Berlin Conference on Africa?

It divided Africa without regard for ethnic groups, leading to future conflicts.

What are the four causes of imperialism?

The four causes are Nationalism, Economic interests, Religion, and Darwinism (Social Darwinism).

What happened at the Berlin Conference?

The Berlin Conference (1884) was a meeting of European nations to divide Africa into colonies without African participation.

What natural resources did Europeans seek from Africa?

Natural resources included diamonds, gold, coal, oil, and iron.

Which African tribe existed in South Africa?

The Zulu tribe existed in South Africa.

Which European groups fought for control of South Africa?

The Dutch (Boers) and the British fought for control of South Africa.

Why was Europe able to dominate Africa quickly?

Europe had superior technology, industrialization, modern medicines, and organized armies, while Africa faced disunity and less advanced weapons.

Which European nation colonized India?

Great Britain colonized India.

Who were Sepoys?

Sepoys were Indian soldiers serving in the British East India Company's army.

How did the British harm China?

The British smuggled opium into China, leading to a drug epidemic and the Opium Wars.

What were the Opium Wars?

The Opium Wars (1839-1860) were two conflicts between Britain and China over the opium trade, resulting in British victory.

What were the conditions of the Treaty of Nanjing?

China ceded Hong Kong to Britain, paid 21 million ounces of silver, and opened ports to British trade.

What were the effects of the Opium Wars on China?

China was divided into spheres of influence, lost control of trade, and suffered economic exploitation.

How was Europe impacted by imperialism?

Europe gained wealth from resources and markets, leading to nationalistic competition and contributing to World War I.

How were Africa and Asia impacted by imperialism?

They suffered exploitation, loss of independence, cultural disruption, and artificial borders leading to ethnic conflicts.

What positive effects did the British Raj have in India?

The British Raj built roads and railroads, improved communication with the telegraph, and provided better medical supplies.

What negative effects did the British Raj have in India?

Indians were forced to buy expensive British goods, faced deforestation, and cash crops reduced food supply.

What was the impact of growing cash crops in India?

Growing cash crops meant less food was produced to feed the Indian population.

What was the role of the Indian National Congress?

The Indian National Congress aimed for independence while supporting Western modernization.

What was the Muslim League?

The Muslim League resented Hindu dominance in the INC and sought to form a separate Muslim country.

What was the significance of the Opium trade for Britain?

The Opium trade was a desperate attempt by Britain to balance trade with China, which had a trade deficit.