Imperialism and Nationalism Flashcards

Flashcards covering key events and concepts related to imperialism and nationalism.

What were the Opium Wars?

Two wars between Qing China and Western powers (primarily Britain and later France) during 1839-1842 and 1856-1860.

What treaty resulted from the Opium Wars and what did it do?

The Treaty of Nanjing (1842); it opened Chinese ports to British trade, ceded Hong Kong, and undermined Chinese sovereignty.

What was the Great Rebellion of 1857?

A large-scale uprising against the British East India Company by Indian soldiers (sepoys) and civilians.

What was the primary outcome of the Great Rebellion of 1857?

It led to the end of the East India Company's rule and direct governance of India by the British Crown (Raj).

What was the Berlin Conference?

A meeting of European powers to divide Africa and set rules for colonization, initiated by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, during 1884-1885.

What was the significance of the Berlin Conference?

It marked the formal beginning of the “Scramble for Africa” and legitimized European claims and colonization.

What was the Meiji Restoration?

A political revolution that restored imperial rule under Emperor Meiji and transformed Japan into a modern industrial power, beginning in 1868.

What were the major results of the Meiji Restoration?

Japan pursued rapid industrialization, militarization, and Westernization to avoid colonization, becoming the first non-Western country to modernize successfully.

Who were the Boxers?

An anti-foreign, anti-Christian Chinese secret society behind the Boxer Rebellion, active during 1899-1901.

What was the historical significance of the Boxers and their rebellion?

It reflected widespread anger at foreign influence and revealed internal fragility of the Qing Dynasty and growing anti-colonial sentiment in China.

What is the Indian National Congress?

A political party initially formed by Indian elites seeking more representation under British rule, founded in 1885.

What role did the Indian National Congress play in India?

It evolved into the main vehicle of Indian nationalism and anti-colonial resistance, helping foster ideas of democracy, secularism, and self-determination.

Who were the Herero and Nama people?

Indigenous groups in modern-day Namibia who resisted German colonial rule and were subjected to genocide during 1904-1908.

What is the historical significance of the genocide against the Herero and Nama people?

It was one of the first genocides of the 20th century, setting precedents for racialized violence and colonial brutality in Africa.

What is the Containment Policy?

U.S. foreign policy strategy to prevent the spread of communism during the Cold War, initiated after WWII from 1947 onward.

What impact did the Containment Policy have?

It shaped key Cold War events, reflected the ideological battle between capitalism and communism, and influenced decades of U.S. interventionism and proxy wars.