Key Concepts of Imperialism and the Meiji Restoration

Imperialism

The policy of extending a nation's power through territorial acquisition or economic/political dominance over other regions.

Protectorate

A country or territory controlled and protected by a more powerful state, while retaining some autonomy.

Sphere of Influence

An area where an outside power claims exclusive economic or political privileges.

Usman dan Fodio

A Muslim scholar and leader who founded the Sokoto Caliphate in West Africa through a jihad (1804-1808).

Shaka

A Zulu king who created a powerful centralized state in Southern Africa through military reforms.

Paternalistic

A governing approach where a dominant power treats subject people as if they need guidance, like a parent to a child.

David Livingstone

A Scottish missionary and explorer who advocated for the abolition of the slave trade in Africa.

Henry Stanley

A journalist-explorer who famously found Livingstone and helped King Leopold II claim the Congo.

Leopold II

The Belgian king who exploited the Congo Free State for rubber and ivory, leading to brutal atrocities.

Boer War (1899-1902)

A conflict between the British and Dutch settlers (Boers) in South Africa over control of land and resources.

Samori Touré

A Muslim leader who resisted French colonization in West Africa with his Wassoulou Empire.

Yaa Asantewaa

An Ashanti queen who led a rebellion against British rule in West Africa (1900).

Nehanda

A spiritual leader of the Shona people in Zimbabwe who resisted British colonization.

Menelik II

The Ethiopian emperor who modernized his army and defeated Italy at the Battle of Adwa (1896).

Elite

A small, privileged group holding power in society.

Matthew Perry

An American naval officer who forced Japan to open trade with the West (1853).

Mutsuhito

Emperor Meiji of Japan, who oversaw Japan's rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration.

Tokyo

Japan's capital, formerly Edo, renamed during the Meiji Restoration.

Meiji Restoration (1868-1912)

The period when Japan modernized and industrialized under Emperor Meiji.

Diet

Japan's legislative assembly established during the Meiji era.

Zaibatsu

Powerful family-controlled business conglomerates in Japan (e.g., Mitsubishi).

Homogeneous Society

A society with a common culture, language, and identity (like Japan).

First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895)

Japan defeated China, gaining Taiwan and influence in Korea.

Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)

Japan defeated Russia, becoming the first Asian power to defeat a European one.

What were the driving factors behind New Imperialism? Why did Westerners do it and how was it possible? Be specific.

Economic motives - Need for raw materials (rubber, minerals) and new markets for manufactured goods.

Political/military competition - European nations sought global dominance (e.g., Britain vs. France).

Social Darwinism & racism - Belief in European superiority justified dominating "inferior" peoples.

Technological advantages - Steamships, railroads, and advanced weapons (Maxim gun) made conquest easier.

Missionary zeal - Desire to spread Christianity and "civilize" non-Western societies.

What did Africa look like in the Early 1800s, before the Scramble for Africa?

Before European colonization, Africa had:

Diverse kingdoms (e.g., Zulu, Sokoto Caliphate, Ashanti).

Active trade networks (trans-Saharan, Swahili Coast).

Some European coastal trading posts but little inland control.

Resistance leaders like Shaka Zulu and Usman dan Fodio shaping regional power.

Which European powers claimed the most territory in Africa?

Britain (Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria).

France (West & North Africa, including Algeria).

Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Italy claimed smaller but significant regions.

What were the positive effects of British Imperialism? What were the negative effects?

.Positive: Improved infrastructure (railroads, telegraphs), education, and medicine.

Negative: Economic exploitation, cultural destruction, famines (e.g., India), and racist policies.

How did Ethiopia resist Western Imperialism?

Menelik II modernized Ethiopia's army with European weapons.

Defeated Italy at the Battle of Adwa (1896), maintaining independence.

What were the causes of the Meiji Restoration? What happened during the Meiji Restoration? What were some of the effects of the Meiji Restoration?

Causes: Fear of Western domination after Perry's arrival (1853); dissatisfaction with the shogunate.

Events: Emperor Meiji took power (1868), abolished feudalism, and adopted Western technology and government.

Effects: Japan industrialized, built a strong military, and became an imperial power (defeating China and Russia).