Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, and 19th-Century Africa

What was the Industrial Revolution, and when did it begin?

A profound turning point in human history marking the shift from making goods by hand to producing them with machines, beginning around 1770.

What were the core differences in manufacturing, working conditions, and power sources before vs. after the Industrial Revolution?

Before: Production at home via the Cottage Industry, slow self-paced work, machines powered by natural wind and water mills. After: Production in large factories, constant supervision, machines driven by fossil-fuel-powered steam engines.

What is the Cottage Industry?

A traditional pre-industrial system of manufacturing where goods and textiles were produced on a small scale by hand inside homes or small shops.

What is Urbanization, and what was a Tenement?

Urbanization: The rapid migration of people from rural areas into cities. Tenement: Overcrowded, poorly planned multi-family urban housing lacking proper sanitation.

Why did the Industrial Revolution begin in Great Britain?

Britain had abundant resources like coal and iron, an Agricultural Revolution that increased food production, and a geography with rivers for efficient shipping.

Define Capitalism, Laissez-Faire, and Market Forces.

Capitalism: An economic system based on private ownership for profit. Laissez-Faire: A policy of non-interference in business. Market Forces: Supply and demand mechanisms dictating prices and production.

Define Socialism and Central Planning.

Socialism: An economic model where production means are owned or regulated by the public/government for equitable wealth distribution. Central Planning: A system where the government determines production and distribution of goods.

What are the major pros and cons of Capitalism vs. Socialism?

Capitalism Pros: Protects private property, encourages effort. Cons: Risks monopolies and wealth inequality. Socialism Pros: Prioritizes equality and safety nets. Cons: Higher taxes and restrictions on private property.

Who was Karl Marx, and what was The Communist Manifesto?

Karl Marx was a philosopher who co-authored The Communist Manifesto (1848), arguing that history is driven by class conflict between the wealthy (Bourgeoisie) and the working class (Proletariat).

According to Karl Marx, how would Communism eventually establish itself?

Marx believed capitalism would exploit the proletariat until they violently overthrew the bourgeoisie, abolishing private property and creating a classless society.

What is a Mixed Economy, and why does the United States fit this description?

A mixed economy blends free-market capitalism with government regulation and social welfare. The U.S. fits this as it promotes economic freedom while regulating markets and providing social safety nets.

Why were children heavily used as factory and mine laborers during the early Industrial Revolution?

Children were used due to their small stature, low wages, ease of control, and the poverty of their families.

What short-term and long-term impacts did child labor have?

Children faced horrific working conditions, leading to injuries and death, which began to change with the Factory Acts limiting working hours.

What is the difference between Imperialism and Colonialism?

Imperialism extends dominance without formal governance, while Colonialism involves direct control and settlement.

How did the Industrial Revolution drive 19th-century European Imperialism?

Industrialized nations needed raw materials and new markets for surplus goods, prompting territorial expansion.

What is Social Darwinism?

A pseudoscientific belief that applied 'survival of the fittest' to human societies, claiming racial superiority.

What is the 'White Man's Burden'?

A concept suggesting that white Europeans had a moral obligation to civilize and educate indigenous populations.

What technologies gave Europeans an advantage in Africa?

The Maxim Machine Gun, Quinine for malaria, and Steam Engines for troop transport.

What was the Berlin Conference (1884-1885)?

A meeting to establish rules for the colonization of Africa, held without African representatives.

What occurred in the Belgian Congo under King Leopold II?

Leopold II exploited the population through forced labor, causing a demographic catastrophe.

What were the long-term impacts of European Imperialism on Africa's economy?

Traditional farming was replaced by cash-crop plantations, hindering local industry growth.

What happened at the Battle of Adwa (1896)?

Ethiopia, led by Menelik II, defeated an invading Italian army.

Why was Ethiopia successful in resisting European colonization?

Due to military modernization, brilliant leadership, internal unity, and advantageous geography.

What are Liberia and Ethiopia's significance in 19th-century Africa?

They were the only two African nations that maintained independence and avoided colonization.