Imperialism in Asia & Middle Eastern

What is imperialism?

A policy where a strong nation extends its power over weaker regions through political, economic, or military control.

Why did European nations want to imperialize Asia and the Middle East?

To gain raw materials, new markets, strategic locations, and increase national power.

What is economic imperialism?

Control of a region's economy without directly ruling it.

Why was China attractive to imperial powers?

Its large population, valuable goods (tea, silk, porcelain), and trade potential.

What was the Opium War?

A conflict between Britain and China over the British sale of opium in China.

What resulted from the Opium Wars?

China was forced to open ports to trade and give up Hong Kong to Britain.

What were the Treaty of Nanjing and other unequal treaties?

Agreements that favored European powers and weakened Chinese sovereignty.

What were spheres of influence in China?

Areas where foreign nations had exclusive trading and economic rights.

What was the Boxer Rebellion?

A Chinese uprising against foreign influence and imperialism.

Why did the Boxer Rebellion fail?

Foreign powers united and defeated the rebels.

Who controlled India during imperialism?

Great Britain.

What was the British East India Company?

A trading company that gradually took political control of India.

What was the Sepoy Mutiny (Indian Rebellion of 1857)?

An Indian revolt against British rule and cultural interference.

What happened after the Sepoy Mutiny?

The British government took direct control of India.

How did Britain benefit economically from India?

India supplied raw materials and served as a market for British goods.

How did British rule affect Indian society?

Improved infrastructure but caused economic exploitation and loss of independence.

Why was Japan able to resist imperialism?

It modernized rapidly and adopted Western technology and government systems.

What event forced Japan to open to foreign trade?

Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in 1853.

What was the Meiji Restoration?

A period of modernization where Japan strengthened its military, economy, and government.

How did Japan's role change after modernization?

Japan became an imperial power itself.

Why was the Ottoman Empire called the 'sick man of Europe'?

It was weakening and losing territory.

How did European powers influence the Ottoman Empire?

Through economic control, loans, and political pressure.

Why was the Ottoman Empire important to imperial powers?

Its strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

What happened to the Ottoman Empire after World War I?

It collapsed and was divided into mandates controlled by European powers.

Why did Persia fall under imperial influence?

It was weak and lacked modern military and industry.

Which countries competed for influence in Persia?

Britain and Russia.

What resources made Persia valuable?

Oil.

How did imperialism affect Persia's economy?

Foreign powers controlled much of its resources and trade.

How did imperialism affect Asian and Middle Eastern regions differently?

Some were colonized, others were economically controlled, and Japan successfully modernized.

Which country successfully resisted Western imperialism?

Japan.

What was a common effect of imperialism?

Loss of independence and foreign control of resources.