AICE International History Chapter 1

What was the scramble for africa?

the competition between European powers to gain control of parts of Africa

What is Social Darwinism?

The belief that Europeans aka white race is more evolved and advanced than non whites.

What were the political motives for imperial expansion?

The Settlement of European Borders 1871

Growth of nationalism

Imperialism as a social policy

Strategic Control of Key Regions

What were the economic motives for imperial expansion?

Industrialization

The Long Depression

Competition for Raw Materials and Markets

Investment opportunities for entrepreneurs

Mercantilism

economic policy based on the belief that there was only a limited amount of wealth in the world

European nations aimed to increase their share at the expense of their rivals -> imperialism and frequent wars

Imperialism

the policy of extending a nation's power by gaining political and economic control over more territory

Entrepreneurs

people who invest their money (capital) in business ventures; take risks in hopes of making profits

Deflation

Falling Prices caused by a drop in demand

Leads to falling wages and unemployment, which further reduces demand as fewer people can afford to buy goods

Monopoly

a market structure characterized by a single seller facing no competition

Nationalism

sense of belonging to a nation and supporting its interests above those of other nations

Belief that your country is superior ethnically, culturally, politically, and historically to all other countries

What led to Britain taking over Egyptian administration and why is it important?

Britain took over the Egyptian admin because it was unstable and threatened the new trading route established by the Suez Canal. It may have encouraged other nations to gain territory in Africa and turned a strategy to facilitate commerical activity into a political motive.

Genocide

the deliberate and systematic destructiona of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group

e.g German action against the Herero and Nama peoples in Africa

Patriotism

love and pride for country; less extreme form of nationalism

Racism

Belief that one race is superior to another

What is new and old imperialism?

Old Imperialism- 16th-18th century- european countries wanted trade routes; worked to protect interests but influence was limited; personal motives supported the "Glory ,God, & Gold Belief"

Mercantilists wanted colonies for wealth

New Imperialism- 1871-1914; industrial revolution revived ambitions, reasons fro growth changed, Japan, US, and European countries expanded; Asia and Africa were targets instead of the Americas

Why was industrialization one of the motives for imperial expansion?

Since the countries were mass producing goods with machinery, they needed to find sources of raw materials for goods, as well as markets in which to sell them. The industrial revolution led to competition between nations trying to increase their economic prosperity.

Why was the "Long Depression" an economic motive for imperialism?

Competition among countries post-Industrial Revolution led to a period of price deflation, in which prices fell due to a drop in demand, wages fell, and unemployment increased. The production of goods was outstpriiping demand and countries needed overseas poessessions that would provide guaranteed markets for products.

How long did the "Long Depression" last?

From 1873 to 1896.

Why was the competition for raw materials an economic motive for imperialism?

Europe's industrialized nations needed sources of raw materials for products. These materials (rubber, tin, copper etc) were found in large quantitites in Africa and Asia.

Why was the growth of nationalism a political motive for imperial expansion?

In the late 19th century an increase in nationalism (belief that your country is the best; extreme pride) led to governments portraying overseas posessions as symbols of pride and power. Countries like Germany, Britain, and France wanted to expand their navy and territory, but did it outside of Europe ince the borders were set. They wanted to enhance their wealth, power, prestige, and influence (e.g. France saying it was destiny to spread)

Why was imperialism as a social policy a political motive for imperialism?

Governments portrayed overseas expansion as beneficial to all to divert the attention from the fact that power remained at the hands of the wealthy, something that the working class wanted reform against. Used it as a way to unite their people regardless of class; claimed it would provide them with the money needed for change.

Why was the strategic control of key regions a political motive for imperial expansion?

Countries wanted to have key places to protect, increase, and/or facilitate their trade. Before expansion, trading meant a long and risky voyage arond africa. When britain took over the Suez Canal from Egypt's unstable government, the other countries began to try and gain territory in Africa.

Why are Old Imperialism and New Imperialism different?

In old imperialism, Europeans were going to the Americas almost exclusively trying to make QUICK money from cash crops and slavery. New Imperialism had more reasons (ethnocentric, industrial, etc) and Asia and Africa were targets instead.

What were the five main motives for imperialism?

Economic - $$$, goods and resources, trade

Exploratory- discovery/uncharted waters

Ethnocentric- Racial Superiority, Social ddarwinism, racism and prejudice

Religious- spreading religion, tied w ethnocentric

Political- more power, competition

Why were Africa and Asia targets for imperialism?

Their declining empires, wars, and unstable governments left them weak and they had the resources the european countries wanted.

What factors enabled New Imperialism?

Medical advancement - medicine and treatment to diseases were found; once known as "White Man's Grave", Africa and Asia became much more accesible

Technological advancement - made production, communication, transport, and protection easier (railways, steamships, weaponry, machinery, systems, telegraph lines

Suez Canal- enabled faster travel to India and the Far East (quick + cheap - linked Mediterranean and Red seas so you didnt have to go around the southern tip of Africa)

How was the opposition to slavery a factor that enabled New Imperialism?

By 1820, most governments banned the slave trade and claimed it was against morals. Since it still happened in Africa (by Africans), they believed they had a moral duty to end this pratice.

How did the theory of racial superiority enable New Imperialism?

Convinced of their racial superiority, many Europeans believed they had the duty to bring order, stability, and civilization to the lives of 'pagan' Africans and Asians.

What were the 3 C's?

By David Livingstone; argued it was essential to introduce Africans/Asians to

commerce

Christianity

Civilization

What was the nature and purpose of the Scramble for Africa?

Countries wanted resources, power, to spread Christianity/civilization, explore, and w the tech/medical advancements, they were able to take over most of Africa.

How much of Africa did Europeans take control over? *From what to what

From 10% in 1870

To 90% in 1900

Why did Germany enter the "scramble" late than other nations?

They had only recently become unified, while being located in the center of Europe among possible enemies. Chancellor Otto von Bismarck wanted to concentrate on national security (no involvment, rivalry, alliances, etc). By 1881, the pressure from businessmen forced the government to change its policy of resistance to gaining territory. While they did gain some lands, most of the more profitable areas were already taken and the ones they got cost more than their worth.

What were the "beneficial" effects of the "Scramble for Africa" on the African people?

states w admin/gov systems, education,

new systems for transport and commication,

water/sanitation/hygiene, medical care & hospitals,

efficient methods of farmine and new productive crops

What were the negative effects of the "Scramble for Africa" on the African people?

Africa was randomly partitions; Europeans didn't care about ethnic groups

Chiefs/kings were killed or exiles for resisting European attempts to take their land

Government was based on hierachy of Europeans at the top and Africans at the bottom (even if indirect)

Africans treated as inferior

Traditional cultures were undermined and replaced by Western ones

Introduction of money changed the economy

Africans were no longer able to farm their former land; had to take cheap labor jobs

Large-scale exploitation of resources prevented Africa from developing industries of its own

Inhumanity, forced labor, and killings/beatings/mutilations (e.g. King Leopold)

I

What did King Leopold do during the "Scramble for Africa"?

King Leopold was determined to increase Belgium's prestige and his own wealth by claiming the Congo basin. Prepared to use his own money, he saw the opportunities to be gained from owning land. He made a fortune from rubber plantations and was able to get other raw materials. He used forced labor in which workers were treated horribly if they didn't meet their quotas, claiming to be on a "civilizing mission" in the Congo.

What factors encouraged support for overseas expansion in Britain, France and Germany?

The government/policies (education system) - especially in France and Germany

The Church - especially in France but in all 3

Sense of duty to bring "Civilization" - all 3; positive aspects were stressed

Patriotic Pride/Jingoism - Britain wanted to maintain power and prestige over the empire ; French gov used it to support people and restore prestige after the Franco-Prussian war; German gov used it to unite people

Newpapers, literature, art, and popular culture in all 3 aimed to make the public pro-imperialism

Who opposed imperialism?

Religous leaders, intellectuals and writers

Why did some people opposed imperialism?

Some people saw it as racists and wrong to take land that belonged to the locals, others argued it was too expensive working class leaders wanted money spent on reform and not wars/maintanance of possesions.

Some feared it would lead to conflict and war.

Who was John Hobson?

A British economist who opposed imperialism, arguing it harmed Britain economically, politically, and socially and that the costs outweighed the pros. His views were reflected among other Europeans known as Liberals who wanted redcued taxes.

While there were frequent challenges to imperialism, the fundamental priciples were....

accepted, if not necessarily enthusiastically supported, by most Europeans

What was the impact of growth of overseas empires on international relations?

Nations were rivals competing for materials, markets, trade, and territory. Governments wanted to protect their rights and interests and own as much land as posible. Nationalism was high and people demanded they do so. This opened up the risk of direct conflict breaking out.

What was the Fashoda Incident?

- Clash between Britain and France which almost led to war

- Britain was expanding south to the Sudan; France was spreading each from French West Africa

- Paths crossed in the Sudan, both claimed it, causing outrage/both accusing each other of aggresion and began mobilizing fleets before reaching compromise

- French acquiesced (basically was cool with it) Britain's domination of Egypt; Britain agreed to support French ambitions in Morocco (cute)

What was the arms race between Germany & Britain at the start of the 20th century (1900s)?

Kaiser Wilhelm II began policy of "Weltpolitik" trying to gain overseas possesions ("Germany's place in the Sun")

Britain felt threatened by naval growth; argued that Germany's possisions weren't big enoguh to need such a large navy

Concerned that the new navy would be concentratied in the North Sea while their's was everywhere; France was threatened to after defeat in the Franco-Prussian war

What was the Entente Cordiale?

Alliance between Britain and France in 1904

Settled long standing rivalries in Nroth Africa (Britain support French claims in Morroco, a place which both had trading interests)

What was the Moroccan crisis and the Algericas Conference 1905-06?

Kaiser Wilhelm believed that Britain and France's friendship (entente cordiale) was a threat to Germany and viewed France's claims over Morroco as an opportunity to weaken Britain and France's improved relationship. He gave an aggresive speech in Tangier (Moroccan city), saying that Germany favored an independent Morocco. Instead of causing a split between Britain and France, the speech had the opposite effect, with Britain continuing to support French claims over Morocco which were largely upheld at the Algeciras conference. Britain and France became closer and even more suspicious of Germany.

What was the Morrocan crisis of 1911? (also called the Algeciras Crisis)

Kaiser Wilhelm tries again

He sends a gunboat to port Agadir in Morocco, an aggresive move trying to undermine French power in the region. Britain sided with France and the Kaiser was forced to back down even though German politicians and generals urged him to go to war over the issue.

Why were European nations and the US interested in trading with China, and how did China not wanting to open up affect them?

There was potential for them, especially considering the need for materials and markets after the industrial revolution. China however, did not want to trade. European nations tried to get in by agreement but if they couldn't they did by force.

What were the Opium wars, how did they begin, and what was the impact?

Britain quickly established itself as China's foreign trading partner and began importing lots of opium into China at the end of the 18th century. The Chinese government realized the possible impact of the addictive drug and tryied to ban it, but it was hard to enforce/ignored by the British. China was defeated in both of the Opium wars and had to grant Britain control over Hong Kong, as well as giving it preferential trading status.

What was the Treaty of Tientsin?

China legalized the importation of opium and opened its ports to foreign traders.

What problems did China face at the end of the 19th century?

Growth of foreign influence

Taiping Rebellion

Government lacking political authority, military support, and popular support

First Sino-Japanese War

Open-door policy

Boxer Rebellion

What was the Boxer Rebellion?

a nationalist uprising against foreigners in China. The government was hesistant at first but then supported the rebellion and declared war on the foreign powers. With the 8 nation alliance (Britain, France, Russia, Japan, the US, Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary) the rebellion was defeated. The government was foced to pay 67 million (euros) in compensation for damages.

What was the open door policy?

A policy proposed by the US in 1899, under which ALL nations would have equal opportunities to trade in China and to avoid that one nation would take full control. Negotation were taken w other imperial nations but NOT with the Chinese government.

What was the First Sino-Japanese war and what treaty followed it?

Fought between China and Japan over control of the Korean peninsula

Japan won (better army)

China was forced to sign the Treaty of Shimonoseki, ceding Korea, Taiwan, and Port Arthur to Japan

What was the condition of China in the beginning of the 20th century?

Was under the control of foreigners for the mmost part, w them establishing "spheres of influence" (but creating tensions between themselves too)

What was the First Boer War?

Britain took over Cape Colony, and settlers began moving there. Tensions with the Boers (Dutch Farmers) increased when slavery was abolished in the colony in 1834 (they depended on slave labor to maintain their farms; felt that compensation wasn't enough). The left Cape Colony (1835-1840) & settled in the republics of Transvaal & Orange Free State.

In 1877, after failing to convinve the Transvaal and OFS to join Cape Colony in a federation, Britain claimed possesion of the Republic. The alarmed Boers didn't do anything until the treat of war with the Zulu Kingdom was remove. They rebelled and claimed independe in the 1st Boer War 1880-81. Under the Pretoria Convention, both republicsere given self-governing stattus under British oversight, in which Britain maintained the right to a military presence in the region and to protect it from foreign intervention.

What was the failed Jameson raid of 1895? What was the impact of Wilhelm's telegram to Kruger?

More settlers mved to the Transvaal after gold deposit discoveries, but were denied rights by the President Paul Kruger. Cecil Rhodes hoped that they would rebel against the government, providing justification for an invasion. He intended for pro-British forces to assist in the rebellion, but it never materialized. Leander Starr Jameson led his forces into the Transvaal anyway but they were driven back by the Boers. Other countries resented Britain's attempted invasion of a small, independent nation, leading to more tension between Britain and Germany. Wilhelm congratulated Kruger (exact reason unknown) which caused anger in Britain.

What was the Second Boer War (1899-1902)?

Kruger demanded the withdrawal of British troops and full independence for the Transvaal. Britain refused, and he clared war. After some early Boer victories, Britain increased forces and took over cities (incl capital). After this the Boers adopted guerilla tactics, equipped with GERMAN rifles. After 2 years of fighting they were forced to surrender. The Treaty of Vereeniging place OFS and the Transvaal under British control.

How did other nations react to Britain in the Boer Wars?

Britain was condemned for using "scorched earth" strategies and for the establishment of concentration camps in which the wives and children of Boer farmers were imprisoned, suffering, and dying.

What was the impact of the Boer Wars on German foreign policy?

Britain was left isolated for its actions by other European nations. The powers of the empire had been challenged by a small number of farmers, revealing weaknesses of the army. The cost was not only high in money, but in lives. Britain would need to increase military capabilities and make more allies in other places.

What was the purpose of the Berlin Conference?

to lay down rules for the division of Africa; made to prevent direct conflict breaking out (any disputes over territory would be resolved by negotiation instead of war); nations would have to effectively occupy nation to claim it and inform others

Organized by German chancellor Otto von Bismarck

Treaty of Berlin: free passage to all ships on the Niger and Congo Rivers, both of which provided action to the African exterior

What led to the Triple Intervention?

Under the Treaty of Shimonoseki, Japan gained control of Port Arthur, which Russia also wanted. Russia argued that the treaty undermined existing trading interests of European nations and caused instability. France and Germany supported Russia for their own reasons (France- vulnerability, Germany - exchange for support for its own territorial ambitions)

What was the Triple Intervention?

Russia, with support from France and Germany, put pressure on Japan to return Port Arthur to Chinese control. Japan couldn't resist the combined force and gave up the Port in return for financial compensation. Russia occupied Port Arthur almost immediately. War was avoided, but Japanese resentment would have far reaching consequences.

Why did Russia want Port Arthur?

It would provide WARM (ice-free) wwater on the pacific coast from which to expand its trading interests with the far east. Was located on an excellent natural harbor (strategic location)

Why did Japan close itself off to foreigners in the first half of the 19th century?

The feared the impact Christian missionary foreigners could have. This led to Russia, Britain, and the US all trying and failing to establish trade.

Why did the US in particular want to get into Japan?

- commerical interests wanted the US gov to open Japanese markets for quickly expanding industrial output

- Whaling fleet needed access to ports to get vital supplies (coal)

- US send USS Preble to Japan to rescue sailors; had to use the threat of force to be let in; were angry that the sailors were treated poorly

Why was Commodore Perry sent to Japan?

US sent fleet to force Japan to open for trade. Japan demanded that they leave, and Perry turned his guns to town of Uruga, demanding permission to deliver a letter from Pres. Fillmore. Japan refused, and Perry threatened large-scale violence. Since samurai swords were no match for guns, Japan was forced to open borders. They signed a treaty to allow the US access to 2 ports, and another that allowed foreigners access to more ports and designated cities.

What was the Meiji Restoration of 1867 and why was it done?

They wanted to avoid the risk of ending up like China (divided by the foreign powers), so they demanded the restoration of an emperor as a head of government instead of a military shogun.

What did Emperor Meiji do?

He modernized and united Japan, adopting Western ways (constitution, education, government, forces, industry) in order to retain independence. To cover costs, Japan focused on promoting export trade. This all led to prosperity.

Why did Japan fight China over Korea? (First Sino-Japanese War)

Main reasons for economic: they had limited resources and needed more

The disintigration of China was an opportunity to test their strength. (Japan was victorious)

What was the impact of the Triple Intervention in Japan?

Japan had to back down and give up Port Arthur since it could not resist their combined power. It decided to build more warships and wait to chance to get revenge instead.

What was the Anglo-Japanese alliance?

Japan and Britain agreed to remain neutral if either of them were in a war, but if either faced 2+ opponents, the other would come to its aid

What led to the Anglo-Japanese alliance? What was its impact and significance?

Britain and Japan both felt threatened especially by Russia who was spreading and planned to take over Korea, and decided to work together. It was first time that Japan had been recognized as an equal by one of the major powers.

What was the Russo-Japanese War?

Japan felt strong enough to seek a settlement with Russia, and was willing to recognize their rights in Manchuria in exchange for rights in Korea. Russia refused and invaded instead. Japan, with its advantages, defeated the Russian army and won.

Why did Japan win the Russo-Japanese War/Why did Russia lose?

Japan had modern warships, control over local seas = easier movement, access to the Suez Canal, alliance w/ Britain, and was able to destroy unprepared ships at Port Arthur.

Russia had dispersed fleets (long journeys), altercation w the British, no access to the Suez Canal, old and slow warships, and no outside help

Why did Japan become involved in the First World War?

Japan was a powerful industrial nation, and honoring its alliance with Britain, entered WW1 by declaring war on Germany in 1914.

What did Japan gain from the WW1?

Increased trade- supplied the Far East w goods that European nations could no longer provide

Rapid growth of shipbuilding and other industries - supplied Britain/the Allies w shipping and other goods during the war

Control over the Shantung Province in China - attacked the area which was controlled by Germany without intervention from the Western Powers

What were Japan's Twenty-One Demands?

1915 - designed to increase political and economic power in China

China refused - Japan issued ultimatum and China agreed the day after

Under pressure from the US, Britain, and other countries w interest in China, Japan was forced to reduce the demands but they still got similar rights. However, their use of threats/bullying cause suspicious from other powers, which were concerned about Japan's growth and attempts to extend interests in thhe Far East.

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Why were the Western powers, especially the US, concerned by Japan's growth in the early 20th century?

US- saw Japan's attempt to exploit China's weaknesses as a threat to its interests and the "open door policy"

Britain - feared Japan would take control over entirety of China; feared it was a threat to the Anglo-Japanese alliance

Neither could do much since Japan was a vital ally vs Germany

How did the US expand across North America?

After being confined to at the start of the 19th century, by 1890 it had expanded against much of the North American continent. Focused on internal issues, being occupied with Westward Expansion and the civil war. Followed an isolationist policy. Bought states from other countries, ending with Alaska.

What is Manifest Destiny?

The belief that the United States had the RIGHT and the DUTY to expand west and rule over the whole North American continent, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, as well as spread Christian values and culture. It was used to justify continentall expansion.

What was the Monroe Doctrine?

foreign policy doctrine set forth by President Monroe in 1823 that discouraged European intervention in the Western Hemisphere

The US would not interfere with international affairs but any attempt by the European powers to intervene in the Americas would be taken as an act of aggression by the US and dealt with accordingly.

Why was the closing of the frontier significant?

The government encouraged settlers to spread and reduced Native American populations until there were settlements across the entire United States before officially closing the frontier. Americans began to look abroad for more opportunities, and it provided the incentive for the US to expand its influence overseas.

Why was the economic growth and need for trade in the USA in the late 19th century?

There were raw materials available, a high population due to immigration, availabe capital, advancements, and government protection of industry, which made it possible for the US to undergo economic growth.

How did the "Long Depression" (economic downturn) of 1893 impact the US?

Bankruptcies in industries ranging from banks to railways spared a crisis and shortage of cash and high unemployment. It alerted businessmen to the dangers of over-reliance on the domestic market and they suggested that the remedy was to sell more goods abroad. Farmers argued that they needed overseas markets to maximize profits, and campaigned against the governnment's protectionist policy. The Democratic Party sided with them and argued for free trade while the Republican party remained opposed.

How were the opportunities for expansion for the US in the late 19th century?

Opportunities were restricted. European nations also praticed protectionism making it difficult to break into markets. At the same time, there was competition for trade with South America, where European countries were increasing commercial involvement.

Captain A.T. Mahan: "The Influence of Sea Power upon History" (1890)

argued that the evidence of history confirmed that a nation's greatness and prosperity depended on naval power. Gained support for campainging for a stronger navy, and increase popular support among Americans including future president Theodore Roosevelt.

While many US politicians supported the idea that the US should expand its overseas interests,

others argued that maintaining the traditional policy of isolationism was the best way to protect US interests.

Why were Cubans rebelling against Spain in the late 1800s, and why was this important to the United States?

They demanded independence.

The US cared because Cuba was important to the economy and their interests were threatened. (The president even tried to pursuade the Spanish to reform their ways of governing Cuba, but were publicly rejected in a way Americans found insulting.)

Yellow Journalism

Journalism that exploits, distorts, or exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers

What were the reasons for the Spanish-American War?

Sinking of the USS Maine - Spain was blamed

Imperialism/Closing of the Frontier- wanted the US to expand more (this was an opportunity for that and testing the military)

Desire for control of Cuba (fear of an independent Cuba it could not control)

Protecting American interests in Cuba

USS Maine

U.S. Battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898; Evidence suggests an internal explosion/accident, however Spanish military was framed by Yellow Journalism; The incident was a catalyst for the Spanish American War

What was the Spanish-American War? What was it's impact?

A war between Spain and the United States in 1898, supposedly to free Cuba from the Spanish.

The US gained territories and became an imperial power.

Treaty of Paris 1898

Ended the Spanish American War

Spain ceded Puerto Rico, the Philippine Islands, and Guam to the United States and abandoned all claim to Cuba.

Filipino-American War

The war between the US and the Philippines, 1899-1902, in which the Filpinos unsuccessfully attempted to gain independence from US control. Was long and costly for the US, but they fought since the Philippines provided the USA with control of a region that could be a strategic base to supply and defend American trading interests in China and the Far East.

Annexation of Hawaii

1898 - Hawaii was important to the US as a base for supplying Whaling vessels and source of sugar cane. Interests nominated most of the economy, Pearl Harbor was a naval base. Realizing its important to trade with the Far East, and in line with its new imperial policy, the USA formally annexed Hawaii.

Theodore Roosevelt

1858-1919. 26th President. Increased size of Navy, "Great White Fleet". Added Roosevelt Corollary to Monroe Doctrine. "Big Stick" policy. Received Nobel Peace Prize for mediation of end of Russo-Japanese war. Later arbitrated split of Morocco between Germany and France.

What was the Platt Amendment?

Gave the US control of Cuban foreign, financial, and commercial affairs. It allowed the United States to intervene in Cuba and gave the United States control of the key land including the naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

Panama Canal

(TR) , The United States built the Panama Canal to have a quicker passage to the Pacific from the Atlantic and vice versa. Columbians would not let Americans build the canal, but then with the assistance of the United States a Panamanian Revolution occurred. The new ruling people allowed the United States to build the canal.

Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine

1904 extension of the Monroe Doctrine, stating that the United States has the right to protect its economic interests in South And Central America by using military force; intended to protect the independent countries of the Americas by warning Europe to stay out of the region (US was establishign a sphere of influence to protect its interests)

Reasons for USA's entry into the First World War

German submarine Warfare/ Unlimited submarine (U-Boat) Warfare

The Zimmerman Telegram

Sinking of the Lusitania

Sussex Pledge is Broken