AICE International History Review Flashcards

Flashcards to review key concepts for the AICE International History exam, covering imperialism, international relations, League of Nations, and the road to WWII, as well as Chinese and Japanese history from 1912-1945.

Why was imperialism a significant force in the late 19th century Europe?

European countries expanded their empires overseas primarily to gain power, resources, and prestige, leading to intense global competition.

What were the economic and political motives behind European countries seeking colonies?

Raw materials (like rubber, oil, and cotton), new markets to sell goods, increased national pride, and military/strategic advantages.

How did ‘New Imperialism’ differ from earlier forms of colonization?

Unlike earlier colonization focused on trade ports, New Imperialism involved direct control over large territories, especially in Africa and Asia.

What was the ‘Scramble for Africa’?

A period in the 1880s-90s when European nations rushed to claim African land, driven by power, resources, and the desire to prevent rivals from gaining too much influence.

How much domestic support did imperialism have in Europe?

Many citizens in Britain, France, and Germany supported imperialism as a symbol of national strength and a duty to "civilize" other parts of the world, promoted by media, schools, and politicians.

What was the impact of imperial expansion on international relations?

Imperialism caused both rivalry and cooperation between nations, with major events shaping how countries interacted.

How did the growth of empires affect rivalries in Europe?

As empires grew, countries clashed over borders and influence, adding fuel to political rivalries.

What was the Boxer Rebellion (1899–1901), and what were its consequences?

China resisted foreign influence, leading to a violent anti-imperialist uprising by a secret society that was suppressed by a coalition of Western powers and Japan, further weakening China.

How did Britain and Germany's competition in South Africa affect international relations?

Britain and Germany competed for influence and resources (especially gold and diamonds), creating hostility that fed into World War I tensions.

What was the purpose and outcome of the Berlin Conference (1884–85)?

A meeting in 1884–85 where European powers divided Africa peacefully among themselves, reducing direct war between Europeans but ignoring African voices entirely.

Why did Japan emerge as a world power, and what was the impact on international relations?

Japan modernized rapidly, built a strong military, and proved it could compete with Western powers, changing the global balance.

How did Japan achieve modernization and military growth?

After 1868 (Meiji Restoration), Japan adopted Western technology, built factories, and strengthened its navy and army.

What was the significance of Japan's victories in wars with China and Russia?

Japan defeated China (1894–95) and Russia (1905), shocking the world and showing that an Asian nation could beat European powers.

What was the significance of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902)?

The Anglo-Japanese Alliance made Japan an official world player, recognized by the West.

What role did Japan play in World War I?

Japan joined the Allies, seized German colonies in the Pacific, and gained more international respect by 1918.

Why did the USA emerge as a world power, and what was the impact on international relations?

The U.S. shifted from a focus on internal expansion to becoming a global player, especially after 1898.

How did the ‘closing of the frontier’ (1890) influence U.S. foreign policy?

With no more land to settle in the West, attention turned outward, and expansionism moved beyond North America.

How did economic growth contribute to the USA's emergence as a world power?

The booming U.S. economy needed more markets and resources, pushing the country to look overseas for trade.

What was the significance of the Spanish–American War (1898)?

The U.S. defeated Spain and gained colonies like the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico, marking its arrival as a global power.

What role did the U.S. play in World War I, and what was its significance?

The U.S. helped tip the balance in favor of the Allies, solidifying its status as a major international force by 1918.

Why was there dissatisfaction with the peace settlements of 1919–20?

The peace treaties after World War I were supposed to create lasting peace, but they caused anger and problems in both defeated and victorious countries.

What were the key terms of the Treaty of Versailles (Germany)?

Germany lost land, had to accept blame for the war (war guilt clause), disarm, and pay huge reparations.

What was the impact of the Treaty of Saint Germain (Austria), Trianon (Hungary), Neuilly (Bulgaria), and Sèvres (Turkey)?

These treaties broke up empires and created new, unstable countries (successor states).

How did reparations affect Germany after World War I?

Germany was forced to pay billions, which hurt their economy and caused resentment.

What were the reactions to the Treaty of Versailles?

Germany saw the treaty as a "Diktat" (dictated peace), and even some Allies (like the U.S.) thought it was too harsh or unfair.

What problems did the new ‘successor states’ face after World War I?

New countries like Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia had mixed ethnic groups and border issues, leading to future conflicts.

How and why did international tensions remain high between 1920–23?

Even after the war, Europe was unstable due to economic struggles, political disagreements, and unresolved tensions.

What was the Ruhr Crisis (1923), and what were its consequences?

France invaded Germany’s Ruhr region after Germany missed reparation payments, leading to strikes and economic chaos.

What caused hyperinflation in Germany?

Germany printed too much money to pay reparations, causing prices to skyrocket and money to become worthless.

What was the Corfu Incident (1923), and what did it reveal about the League of Nations?

Italy attacked Greece after an Italian diplomat was killed, showing the weakness of the League of Nations.

What was the focus of the Washington Conference (1921–22)?

Focused on limiting naval arms and easing Pacific tensions.

What was the goal of the Genoa Conference (1922), and what was its outcome?

Tried to fix Europe’s economy, but failed.

What was the Rapallo Pact (1922), and why did it cause concern?

Germany and USSR made a secret deal to cooperate, worrying Western powers.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Lausanne (1923)?

Replaced the Sèvres Treaty with Turkey, creating a more fair and stable agreement.

What were the prevailing power dynamics in Europe between 1920-1923?

France was aggressive, Germany was angry and weak, Britain wanted peace, the USSR was isolated, and the USA stayed mostly out of European affairs.

How successful were attempts to improve international relations from 1924–29?

Countries worked together to recover economically and ease tensions, with some success.

How did the Dawes Plan (1924) contribute to economic recovery?

U.S. loans helped stabilize Germany’s economy and restructure reparations.

What was the purpose of the Young Plan (1929)?

Reduced Germany’s reparations further.

What was the significance of the Locarno Treaties (1925)?

Germany accepted its western borders, and Britain/France promised to protect them, giving hope for peace.

What was the Kellogg–Briand Pact (1928)?

Over 60 countries promised not to use war to solve disputes—more symbolic than practical.

What evidence suggests improved international relations between 1924-1929?

Germany was allowed into the League of Nations in 1926, France, Britain, and Germany seemed to cooperate more, the USSR and Western powers slowly rebuilt ties, and the USA was helpful through loans and diplomacy.

How successful was the League of Nations during the 1920s?

The League had some wins, but it was overall weak and struggled to enforce peace effectively.

What were the aims and structure of the League of Nations?

Created to maintain peace through collective security (countries act together against aggression), solve disputes, and improve global welfare.

What was the Aaland Islands (1921) dispute and the League's involvement?

Peacefully settled dispute between Sweden and Finland.

What was the Upper Silesia (1921) dispute and the League's involvement?

Organized a fair vote to divide the region between Germany and Poland.

What were some notable failures of the League of Nations?

Poland took over a Lithuanian city, and the League did nothing; Italy bullied Greece, and the League couldn’t stop it.

What were the weaknesses of the League of Nations?

No army of its own, depended on major powers, the USA didn’t join, and other big powers sometimes ignored it, took too long to act in emergencies.

In what areas did the League of Nations see successes?

Some good work in public health, refugee aid, and labor rights—less political but still important.

How did the rise of extremism affect international relations?

Economic crisis led to political chaos, and the rise of extremist leaders like Hitler and Mussolini increased global tensions and made war more likely.

What impact did the Great Depression have on international relations?

Caused mass unemployment, poverty, and loss of faith in democracy, with people turning to extreme ideologies.

How did the rise of dictatorships in Germany, Italy, and the USSR affect international relations?

Germany (Hitler), Italy (Mussolini), USSR (Stalin)—each wanted to expand and reshape the world, and their aggressive policies scared democracies like Britain and France.

What was the Spanish Civil War (1936–39), and what was its significance?

Fascist General Franco (supported by Hitler and Mussolini) fought the Republican government (supported weakly by the USSR), with Britain and France stayed neutral. The war became a testing ground for new weapons and strategies, especially for Nazi Germany.

Examples of Hitler's expansionist goals?

Rearmament, Rhineland (1936), Anschluss (1938), Sudetenland (1938), Czechoslovakia (1939), Poland (1939).

What was the significance of the failure of disarmament in the 1930s?

Countries didn’t trust each other, so they didn’t agree to disarm; Germany rearmed in secret, then openly; Japan and Italy also ignored disarmament talks.

What happened in Manchuria (1931–33), and how did the League of Nations respond?

Japan invaded part of China, the League condemned it, but Japan just left the League. No army = no real action.

What happened in Abyssinia (1935–36), and how did the League of Nations respond?

Italy invaded Ethiopia, the League imposed weak sanctions but didn’t stop trade in oil or close the Suez Canal, and Britain and France wanted to keep Mussolini as an ally, so they backed down.

What changing attitudes led to the League of Nations becoming basically useless?

Major powers lost faith in the League, the U.S. never joined, Germany and Japan left, and Britain and France focused on appeasement.

Why, and with what effects, did Britain and France pursue a policy of appeasement?

Britain and France let Hitler get away with breaking rules, hoping to avoid another world war—but it only encouraged more aggression.

Why did Britain and France pursue a policy of appeasement?

Still recovering from WWI and the Great Depression—didn’t want to spend on war, WWI was fresh in everyone's minds, Britain and France feared communism more than fascism—didn’t try to work with the USSR early on, and some thought Hitler’s demands were reasonable (like uniting German-speaking people).

Key examples of the policy of appeasement?

Ignored rearmament and remilitarization of the Rhineland, allowed Anschluss with Austria, Munich Crisis (1938). Appeasement ended only when Hitler invaded Poland.

What was the effect of appeasement?

Gave Hitler time to grow stronger and showed that Britain and France wouldn’t stop him, so he kept pushing.

Why did war break out in 1939?

Appeasement failed, Hitler’s expansion continued, and finally Britain and France took a stand after Poland was invaded.

British rearmament?

After 1938, Britain started building up its military in case war was unavoidable.

What was The Guarantee to Poland?

After Hitler took all of Czechoslovakia, Britain promised to protect Poland if Germany attacked.

What was the Nazi–Soviet Pact (August 1939)?

Germany and the USSR agreed not to fight each other and secretly planned to divide Poland. Stalin agreed because the West had ignored Soviet offers to ally earlier.

Why did Britain and France declare war on Germany September 3, 1939?

Hitler invaded, and Britain and France declared war two days later—World War II began.

What were the implications of the ‘Warlord Era’ in China (1916–27)?

After the fall of the Qing dynasty, China fell into chaos. Local warlords fought for control, which led to division and suffering but also sparked movements for change.

Who was Yuan Shih-kai (1912–16)?

Tried to make himself emperor but failed and died in 1916. His death led to the disintegration of China into regions controlled by warlords.

What was the state of China during the Warlord Era?

Weak central government, poverty, foreign interference, and constant conflict between warlords.

What was the May the Fourth Movement (1919)?

Student-led protest sparked by China’s weak position in the Treaty of Versailles. Called for modernization, science, nationalism, and anti-imperialism. Inspired future political activism and helped grow support for Communists and Nationalists alike.

What was the Kuomintang (KMT) and Sun Yat-sen's role?

Sun led the KMT (Nationalist Party) to reunify China, and they promoted the Three Principles of the People: nationalism, democracy, and people’s livelihood.

What was the Northern Expedition (1926–27)?

Military campaign led by the KMT to defeat warlords and unify China, and they gained support from the Communists at first, but tensions grew.

How effectively did Chiang Kai-shek deal with the Communists (1927–36)?

Chiang Kai-shek, who took over the KMT after Sun’s death, saw Communists as a threat and tried to destroy them—but they survived and even gained strength.

What was the Shanghai Massacre (1927)?

Chiang turned on the Communists, ordering a violent purge in Shanghai, which ended KMT–CCP cooperation and began a civil war.

What were the Extermination Campaigns (1930–34)?

Chiang launched military attacks to wipe out Communist bases, early efforts failed, but eventually pushed the Communists to retreat.

What was The Long March (1934–35)?

The CCP escaped from Chiang’s attacks by marching 6,000 miles to the northwest. Only a small number survived—but it became a symbol of resilience, and Mao Zedong emerged as the clear leader.

What was the Xi’an Incident (1936)?

Chiang was kidnapped by one of his own generals, who forced him to form a united front with the CCP to fight Japan, not each other.

What were Chiang's modernization attempts?

Chiang tried to reform China’s economy, build infrastructure, and modernize the army, but progress was slow, and corruption weakened his government.

Why did the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) gain support up to 1945?

The CCP gained strength by connecting with the people—especially peasants—and offering land, leadership, and resistance to Japan, while the KMT lost support due to poor leadership.

What was the significance of the Long March?

Though a retreat, it turned Mao into a hero and built strong loyalty among surviving troops.

What was the Yan’an Soviet?

After the Long March, the CCP settled in Yan’an and built a Communist base. Introduced land reform (giving land to peasants) and promoted education and equality.

What was the Rectification Campaign (1941–44)?

Mao ran ideological training to unite and control the party. Built discipline and loyalty among Communist ranks.

How did the CCP and KMT differ in their resistance to Japan?

CCP used guerrilla warfare to fight Japanese forces and gained public respect; KMT appeared weak and disorganized, often avoiding battles and hoarding resources.

What was the prevailing opinion of Chiang Kai-shek?

Seen as corrupt, elitist, and not doing enough against Japan. His leadership during the war hurt the KMT’s reputation.

Why did Japan become a military dictatorship in the 1930s, and what were the consequences?

Japan grew frustrated with Western powers, suffered economic crisis, and turned to military leaders for solutions—leading to expansion, aggression, and World War II.

Explain Japan's position in 1919.

Had gained respect by joining the Allies in WWI, but at the Paris Peace Conference, it was denied racial equality and didn’t get all the territory it wanted—this sparked resentment.

What was the failure of democracy in Japan?

The Great Depression hit Japan hard—exports fell, jobs were lost. People lost faith in civilian government. The army grew more powerful and assassinated political leaders who opposed them.

Military rule and expansionism in Japan?

Believed Japan needed territory for resources and security; invaded Manchuria (1931) and later launched full war with China (1937); ignored Western condemnation and left the League of Nations.

Why did Japan join World War II?

Wanted to dominate Asia and the Pacific, saw war as a way to get raw materials and become a global power, allied with Germany and Italy (Axis Powers), and attacked Pearl Harbor (1941).