history unit 5 test

Leopold II

King of Belgium from 1865 to 1909, Leopold II controlled the Congo Free State as a personal venture, characterized by extreme brutality and forced labor. His actions led to the deaths of millions of Congolese and highlighted the moral failures of European imperialism, ultimately influencing anti-colonial movements in the 20th century.

Boer War (1899–1902)

A conflict between the British Empire and two Boer republics: the South African Republic (Transvaal) and the Orange Free State. Driven by British imperial interests over gold and diamond resources, the war involved guerrilla warfare, scorched-earth tactics, and concentration camps, resulting in British victory and the subsequent annexation of the Boer republics, which contributed to apartheid.

Berlin Conference (1884–1885)

A meeting among European powers to establish rules for colonizing Africa to prevent conflicts among them. Notably, no African leaders were invited, leading to the rapid ‘Scramble for Africa’ and the arbitrary division of ethnic groups, which contributed to long-term instability across the continent.

Sick Man of Europe

A term used to describe the Ottoman Empire in the 19th and early 20th centuries, highlighting its declining power and vulnerability to European imperial ambitions. This perception led to territorial encroachments by European nations and reflects broader geopolitical changes in pre–World War I Europe.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany's military strategy designed to prevent a two-front war by swiftly defeating France through Belgium before turning to fight Russia. The plan's failure, due to Belgian resistance and British intervention, resulted in a prolonged stalemate and the establishment of trench warfare on the Western Front.

Western Front

The primary battlefield of World War I, extending from the English Channel to Switzerland. It was characterized by extensive trench systems, high casualties, and significant battles like the Somme and Verdun, ultimately symbolizing the destructive nature of modern warfare.

No-Man’s-Land

The perilous area between opposing trenches on the Western Front, marked by barbed wire, mines, and shell holes. Soldiers venturing into this space faced severe danger from enemy fire, making it emblematic of the futility and violence of trench warfare.

Verdun (1916)

One of World War I’s longest and bloodiest battles, fought between France and Germany marked by the French motto 'They shall not pass!' Despite over 700,000 casualties and Germany's intent to exhaust the French army, the battle ultimately strengthened French resolve.

Eastern Front

The more mobile theater of World War I involving Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia, featuring notable battles like Tannenberg and the Brusilov Offensive. The Eastern Front contributed to the Russian Empire's collapse and paved the way for revolution.

Battle of Gallipoli (1915–1916)

An Allied campaign intending to seize the Dardanelles to facilitate a sea route to Russia and to eliminate the Ottoman Empire from the war. Despite initial hopes, poor planning resulted in significant casualties and a major Ottoman victory, enhancing Turkish nationalism and leading to the rise of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918)

A peace agreement between the Bolsheviks and the Central Powers, concluding Russia's involvement in World War I. The treaty involved substantial territorial losses in western-Russia, which underscored Lenin's pragmatic approach to securing Communist control amidst tumultuous times.

Sinking of the Lusitania (1915)

The sinking of a British passenger liner by a German U-boat, resulting in 1,198 deaths, including 128 Americans. This incident intensified anti-German sentiment in the U.S. and played a pivotal role in leading to American entry into World War I.

Armenian Genocide (1915–1917)

The systematic mass murder and forced deportation of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians (many of whom were Christian) by the Ottoman Empire during World War I, marked by extreme violence, starvation, and death marches. Recognized as one of the first genocides of the 20th century, it remains a subject of denial by Turkey.

Arab Revolt (1916–1918)

An uprising led by Arab nationalists against Ottoman rule during World War I, which was encouraged by British promises of support. The revolt aimed for Arab independence but was undermined by subsequent agreements, such as the Sykes-Picot, fostering future conflicts in the Middle East.

Sykes-Picot Agreement (1916)

A secret arrangement between Britain and France to split Ottoman territories in the Middle East after World War I, explicitly contradicting prior commitments to Arab independence and sowing seeds of distrust that continue to affect regional dynamics. Britain gained control of modern-day Iraq, southern Palestine, and Kuwait while France gained control of what is now Syria, Lebanon, and parts of southern Turkey. 

Wilson’s Fourteen Points (1918)

A framework proposed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson for achieving lasting peace following World War I, advocating principles such as self-determination, open diplomacy, and the establishment of a League of Nations. Most points were ultimately disregarded during the subsequent peace conference.

The League of Nations

An international organization established by the Treaty of Versailles aimed at preventing future conflicts through collective security and diplomacy. Its efficacy was undermined by the lack of enforcement power and the refusal of major powers like the U.S. to participate.

Self-Determination

The principle asserting that nations and peoples should have the right to choose their governance and sovereignty. While championed by Wilson, its application post-WWI was uneven, favoring European nations while often excluding colonial populations.

Mandate System

A framework established post-WWI wherein territories from defeated empires were administered by European powers, masquerading as preparation for independence. This system perpetuated colonial rule and incited anti-colonial resistance.

Economic Nationalism

A political and economic policy emphasizing the protection and promotion of a country's own industries, typically through tariffs and limited foreign investment. This ideology gained traction after the Great Depression, contributing to the instability that fostered authoritarian regimes.

October Revolution (1917)

The Bolshevik-led revolution that overthrew the Provisional Government in Russia, resulting in the establishment of the first Communist state. Following this upheaval, Russia exited World War I, leading to the Russian Civil War and Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918)

The Russian Civil War (1917–1922)

A complex conflict between the Bolshevik Red Army and various anti-Communist factions, known as the White Army, along with foreign interventions. Ultimately, the Bolsheviks' victory solidified Communist rule in Russia amid widespread social upheaval.

The New Economic Policy (NEP)

A state policy introduced by Lenin in 1921 allowing limited capitalism in the Soviet economy to stimulate recovery post-revolution. Though it aided short-term growth, Stalin later abandoned it in favor of stricter central planning.

The Great Purge (1936–1938)

A repressive campaign initiated by Stalin to eliminate political dissent within the Communist Party and broader society, resulting in millions being arrested, executed, or imprisoned in labor camps. This campaign fostered an environment of fear and reinforced Stalin's control.

Albert Einstein (1879–1955)

A renowned physicist who developed the theory of relativity, claiming space and time are relative to the person measuring them, creating an era of doubt as people believed there was no universal truth they could rely on

Five-Year Plan

A series of ambitious economic goals set by Stalin aimed at rapidly industrializing the Soviet Union. While it achieved significant industrial output, it also led to severe agricultural failures and widespread famine, particularly in Ukraine.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen (Guomindang)

The founder of the Republic of China and leader of the Guomindang (Nationalist Party), Sun Yat-sen advocated for democratic governance and national welfare despite lacking military power. His ideologies laid the groundwork for future revolutions in China.

Mao Zedong (Chinese Communist Party)

The leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the founder of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Mao promoted a revolution led by peasants and strategically employed guerrilla warfare to defeat the Nationalists, solidifying his leadership during the Long March.

Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek)

The successor to Sun Yat-sen's leadership within the Nationalist Party who led the Northern Expedition to unify China but later turned against the Communists during the Shanghai Massacre, igniting the Chinese Civil War and Long March. Following defeat, he retreated to Taiwan, establishing a rival government.

Northern Expedition (1926–1928)

A military campaign launched by the Nationalists to eliminate warlord rule in China and achieve national unification. Although initially successful, it heightened tensions with the Communists, leading to escalated hostilities.

Long March (1934–1935)

A strategic retreat by the CCP to evade Nationalist forces, covering over 6,000 miles. The march symbolized the resilience of the Communist Party and played a crucial role in consolidating Mao Zedong’s leadership within the movement.

Mukden Incident (1931)

A fabricated incident by Japanese military forces who detonated a railway to justify their invasion of Manchuria, resulting in the creation of the puppet state Manchukuo. This act demonstrated the League of Nations' ineffectiveness and the rise of aggressive militarism