International History AS Level: 1.2 What was the impact of imperial expansion on international relations?

German Unification (1860s–1871)

Germany unified under Prussian leadership in the 1860s and became a major European power after defeating France in 1871.

Otto von Bismarck

Prussian statesman who unified Germany and became Europe’s leading diplomat.

Bismarck’s Colonial Interest

Initially limited, but grew when colonial policy became politically useful in the 1880s.

German Business Pressure (1880s)

German industrialists pushed the government to pursue overseas colonies.

Berlin Conference (1884–1885)

Meeting of European powers (plus USA) to establish rules for colonizing Africa

Purpose of Berlin Conference

Create international laws governing European colonial behavior in Africa.

Bismarck’s Motives at Berlin Conference

Support German claims, encourage traders, increase tension with Britain, gain political support at home.

Intentions of Major Powers

Regulate trade, establish colonization principles, and secure territorial claims.

King Leopold II (Belgium)

Sought recognition of Congo territories and promoted humanitarian aims like ending slavery and ensuring free trade.

Portugal’s Claims

Wanted recognition of land between Angola and Mozambique

France’s African Interests

Sought territory in north, west, and central Africa

Britain’s African Goals

Expand empire and block rival claims threatening British interests.

Italy’s African Ambitions

Wanted Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and aimed to expand in eastern Africa.

Effective Occupation

Rule requiring treaties, government establishment, and economic use before claiming African territory.

Leopold’s Congo Recognition

Congo recognized as Leopold’s personal territory in exchange for welfare promises and free trade.

Abolition of Slavery Agreement

All powers agreed to end slavery across Africa.

Free Trade & Navigation Rights

Guaranteed open trade and river access in colonized regions.

Germany Enters Colonial Race

Germany’s pursuit of African colonies increased tensions with Britain in the late 1800s.

Wilhelm II Becomes Kaiser (1888)

Shifted foreign policy, clashed with Bismarck, leading to Bismarck’s resignation in 1890.

Weltpolitik

Wilhelm II’s policy to make Germany a world power through overseas expansion.

German Colonial Holdings (1914)

Included Cameroon, German East Africa, German South-West Africa, and Togoland.

Britain’s Concerns about Germany

Germany’s growing navy alarmed Britain more than colonial competition.

Two-Power Standard (1889)

Britain’s policy to maintain a navy stronger than any two other nations combined.

HMS Dreadnought (1906)

Revolutionary British battleship that intensified the naval race.

German Navy Laws (1898–1912)

Series of laws expanding Germany’s fleet to become the world’s second largest by 1914.

Naval Race Outcome

Britain built 29 Dreadnoughts vs Germany’s 15, winning but suffering financial strain.

Cape Colony Background

Originally Dutch, later British-controlled, causing tensions with Boer settlers.

Great Trek (1835–1840)

Boer migration northward, founding Transvaal and Orange Free State.

Anglo-Zulu War (1879)

Conflict between Britain and the Zulu kingdom

First Boer War (1880–1881)

Boer rebellion against British annexation

Gold in Transvaal (1886)

Discovery increased British interest and tensions with Boer leadership.

Jameson Raid (1895)

Failed British-backed attempt to spark rebellion in Transvaal

Kruger Telegram (1896)

Wilhelm II congratulated Kruger for resisting Britain, worsening Anglo-German relations.

Second Boer War (1899–1902)

Britain defeated Boer guerrilla tactics

Boer War Consequences

Exposed British military weaknesses, caused high casualties and costs, and led to international criticism.

Fashoda Incident (1898)

Territorial standoff between Britain and France in Sudan

First Moroccan Crisis (1905–1906)

Germany challenged French influence in Morocco to test Britain and weaken the Entente.

Algeciras Conference (1906)

International meeting where most powers backed France’s position in Morocco, isolating Germany and strengthening the Anglo‑French Entente

Britian after Splendid Isolation

Britain sought alliances due to global threats and diplomatic isolation after the Boer War.

Anglo-Japanese Treaty (1902)

Agreement where Britain and Japan recognized each other’s interests in East Asia and pledged mutual support, ending Britain’s isolation.

Entente Cordiale (1904)

Agreement where Britain recognized French control of Morocco and France recognized British control of Egypt.

Anglo-Russian Entente (1907)

Divided Persia into zones and eased tensions in Central Asia.

Second Moroccan Crisis (1911)

Germany sent the Panther gunboat to Agadir to challenge French control

Franco-German Accord (1911)

Germany accepted French control of Morocco in exchange for territory in Congo.