AICE International History Ch 1.2 Review

The Fashoda Incident

Happened in 1898. A clash between rival African ambitions between British and French forces where they crossed paths in Sudan. The two nations reached a compromise: France would acknowledge Britain’s possessions of Egypt and Sudan, while Britain acknowledged the French presence in Morocco.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

Became Kaiser of Germany after Otto von Bismarck in 1888 and was more ambitious in terms of imperialism, and was more aggressive in pursuing colonies for Germany. This is also known as Weltpolitik or “World Policy.” Britain saw Germany’s “place in the Sun” as a threat to its own interests both strategic and commercial.

The Sino-Japanese War

Occurred between 1894-1895. A war between the Chinese and Japanese forces led by disputes over the Korean peninsula. The outcome of this war was the Treaty of Shimonoseki.

The Jameson Raid

Occurred in 1895 when British troops raided the settlements rebelling settlers of the Transvaal looking for gold only to fail and be swiftly taken out by the Boers.

Treaty of Shimonoseki

Signed 1895 after the First Sino-Japanese War. Under the terms of the treaty, Japan gained control over Port Arthur, the Liaodong Peninsula, Korea, and Taiwan.

The Second Boer War

Occurred from 1899-1902. When Paul Kruger demanded independence for the Transvaal from Britain and Britain refused, a war was declared. Britain dramatically increased its forces in Africa, and the Boers adopted guerilla tactics while using the help of German rifles supplied by Germany itself. After two years of fighting, the Boers surrendered. Britain’s victory led to the creation of the Treaty of Vereeniging signed in 1902, placing control of the Orange Free State (OFS) and the Transvaal firmly under British control.

Triple Intervention

Russia had looked forward to taking control over Port Arthur since it would provide a warm-water port to expand its own trading interests in the Far East. Russia argued that the Treaty of Shimonoseki would undermine the existing interests of European nations which would cause instability in China. With the support of France and Germany, they all put diplomatic pressure on the Japan to return Port Arthur to Chinese control. As for the other nation’s motives, France felt compelled to work with Russia fearing diplomatic isolation and honoring the alliance formed with Russia in 1894. Germany felt it would be a good idea to build some Russian support for its own imperial ambitions. This led to Japan being more militaristic, and searching for ways to become stronger.

The Boxer Rebellion

Occurred between 1898-1901. Was led by Chinese nationalists who were angered by the Qing government’s failure to prevent foreigners from increasing their influences in China. However, the rebellion would come to an end when an eight-nation alliance consisting of Britain, Germany, France, The USA, Russia, Japan, Italy, and Austria-Hungary took Peking. The Qing government was forced to pay £67 million in compensation over a period of 39 years for damages. This was a huge humiliation for China.

The Open Door Policy

A policy created by the United States in 1900 that brought forth equal/ fair trading for all nations in China.

The Entente Cordiale

A compromise between Britain and France that settled their dispute in Fashoda in 1898. It stated that France recognized Britain’s possessions of Sudan and Egypt and that Britain acknowledges France’s authority over Morocco.

Paul Kruger

President of the Transvaal from 1883-1900.

Kruger Telegram

Message to Kruger from Kaiser Wilhelm congratulating him on the defeat of the British in the Jameson Raid of 1895.