Imperialism, Nationalism, and Global Conflicts

Flashcards reviewing key events and concepts from lectures on imperialism, nationalism, and global conflicts.

What were the Opium Wars?

Two wars between Qing China and Western powers (primarily Britain and later France) in the mid-19th century.

What were the consequences of the Opium Wars for China?

The Opium Wars marked the beginning of Western imperial dominance, led to unequal treaties, exposed Chinese weaknesses, and contributed to internal unrest.

What was the Great Rebellion of 1857?

A large-scale uprising in India against the British East India Company.

What impact did the Great Rebellion of 1857 have on British rule in India?

It led to the end of the East India Company's rule and direct governance by the British Crown.

What was the Berlin Conference (1884–1885)?

A meeting of European powers to divide Africa and set rules for colonization.

Why is the Berlin Conference historically significant?

It marked the formal beginning of the “Scramble for Africa,” legitimizing European colonization and redrawing African borders without African representation.

What was the Meiji Restoration?

A political revolution in Japan that restored imperial rule and led to rapid modernization.

What were the key outcomes of the Meiji Restoration?

Japan underwent rapid industrialization, militarization, and Westernization, becoming the first non-Western country to modernize successfully.

Who were the Boxers?

A Chinese secret society that led the Boxer Rebellion against foreign influence.

What was the historical significance of the Boxer Rebellion?

It reflected widespread anger at foreign influence and revealed the internal fragility of the Qing Dynasty.

What is the Indian National Congress?

A political party formed in India that played a central role in the Indian independence movement.

How did the Indian National Congress evolve over time?

It evolved from moderate petitions to mass mobilization for independence under leaders like Gandhi and Nehru.

What was the German Southwest Africa Genocide?

The systematic killing of the Herero and Nama people by German colonial forces in present-day Namibia.

Why is the German Southwest Africa Genocide historically significant?

It was one of the first genocides of the 20th century and set precedents for racialized violence and colonial brutality in Africa.

What was the Containment Policy?

A U.S. foreign policy strategy to prevent the spread of communism during the Cold War.

What were some of the major events shaped by the Containment Policy?

Korean War, Vietnam War, Cuban Missile Crisis, NATO formation.

Who was Mao Zedong?

Leader of the Chinese Communist Party and founding father of the People's Republic of China.

What were some of the key events or policies associated with Mao Zedong?

Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution.

What does MAD stand for, concerning Cold War foreign policy?

Mutual Assured Destruction

What was the significance of the Salt March?

It demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolent civil disobedience, mobilized mass participation, and garnered international attention for the Indian independence movement.

What was the 'Quit India' Movement?

A mass movement demanding an end to British colonial rule in India during World War II.

What was Glasnost?

A Soviet policy promoting openness, free speech, and transparency introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev.

What were some crucial results of Glasnost?

Weakening Communist Party control, the fall of the Soviet Union, and the end of the Cold War as it empowered reformers and activists.

What happened at Tiananmen Square in 1989?

Pro-democracy protests were brutally suppressed by the Chinese military.

What is the African National Congress (ANC)?

A South African political party that led the fight against apartheid.

What is the European Union (EU)?

An economic and political union aimed at integrating Europe.

Who is Greta Thunberg?

A Swedish environmental activist and global youth leader known for her climate activism.