Unit 1 AICE International History
Chapter 1.1 - Economic and Political Motives for Imperialism
Economic Motives for Imperialism: The primary economic motives included:
Access to Raw Materials: European nations found natural resources like rubber, oil, and minerals to fuel their industrial economies.
New Markets: Increased production led to the need for new consumers to buy goods.
Investments: Investors looked for profitable opportunities in developing regions.
Political Motives for Imperialism: Political motives were:
Nationalism: Nations found to confidence power through territorial expansion.
Strategic Advantage: Control of key territories for military and naval bases was desired.
Competition: Rivalries between European powers led to a scramble for colonies.
Three Main Characteristics of New Imperialism:
Increased volume and speed of colonization.
Greater focus on acquiring territories in Africa and Asia.
It involved direct control rather than just trade or influence.
Difference Between New and Old Imperialism: Old imperialism focused primarily on trade and establishing trading posts, whereas new imperialism included territorial conquest and the establishment of colonies.
Factors Enabling New Imperialism:
Technological advancements in transportation (steamships, railroads).
Military superiority with modern weaponry.
Political stability and economic motivation in European nations.
Imperialism by Countries:
a. Britain: Expanded in Africa and Asia, focusing on trade routes and resources.
b. France: Established an amount of African empire and aimed for cultural adaption of colonized peoples.
c. Belgium: Exploited the Congo for rubber and resources under King Leopold II.
d. Portugal: Focused on maintaining long-held colonies in Africa and Asia.
e. Germany: Sought to acquire territories primarily in Africa.
Effect of Imperialism on Africa: Led to significant social, economic, and political changes, including exploitation, cultural disruption, and establishment of colonial rule.
Support for Imperialism:
In Britain, Showing love towards a country and economic interests reinforced support.
In France, the drive for national pride and cultural superiority motivated supports.
Germany saw a mix of national ambition and social Darwinism.
Opposition to Imperialism: Critics appeared, arguing against abuse and honesty complications, often support for self-determination.
Justification for Imperialism: Imperialists used arguments including the idea of bringing civilization to “backward” nations and a honesty obligation to inspire colonized peoples.
Chapter 1.2 - Imperial Rivalry and World Peace
Fashoda Incident and Morocco: Both incidents show how diplomatic negotiations and mutual interests led to conflict avoidance among European powers.
Causes of the Boxer Rebellion: The rebellion arose from anger against foreign influence and missionary activity in China.
Impact of the Boxer Rebellion: It led to increased foreign control in China and humiliation for nationalists.
Boer Wars: The wars were caused by disputes over land and resources, significantly separate relations between Britain and Germany.
Significance of the Boer Wars: They revealed Britain's military weaknesses and increased nationalist view.
Tension Resolution Attempts: European powers directed diplomatic negotiations but tensions happened, leading instability.
Chapter 1.3 - Japan's Rise to Power
Reasons for Japan's Modernization and Meiji Restoration:
Desire to avoid Western domination, industrial growth, and military reforms.
Britain's Splendid Isolation: A foreign policy that resulted in political distance from continental Europe, leading to unpreparedness for alliances.
Anglo-Japanese Alliance: Created to counter Russian expansion; strengthened Japan's military standing leading to success in the Russo-Japanese War.
Russo-Japanese War – Cause-Event-Impact Chart:
Cause: Territorial disputes in Manchuria.
Event: Japan's surprise attack on Russia.
Impact: Japan emerged as a world power and challenged Western domination.
Japan’s Role in WWI: Supported Allies, capturing German holdings in Asia and increasing its influence.
Benefits to Japan from WWI: Expanded territorial claims and economic opportunities, leading to greater global standing.
Chapter 1.4 - U.S. Rise to World Power
Justification for Westward Expansion: Americans believed in Manifest Destiny, the idea that it was their right to expand across North America.
Effect of Closing the Frontier: The closing changed urbanization and industrialization in the U.S.
Economic Growth in Late 19th Century: Industrialization grew; the U.S. emerged as an economic powerhouse.
Spanish-American War Causes and Impact: The war arise Cuban independence desires and U.S. expansionism leading to the U.S. acquiring territories.
Impact of Spanish-American War on U.S.’s Global Status: Established the U.S. as a colonial power and increased military presence in the Pacific.
U.S. Entry into WWI: Entry was driven by unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram.
Wilson's 14 Points: Supporting for post-war peace principles and self-determination to prevent future conflicts.
Effect of U.S. Entry in WWI: Persuade in favor of the Allies, lead to resolve of the war.