World History Study Guide - Imperialism & WWI Causes

Definition of Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.
Reasons for Imperialism (Why):
- Economic:
- Access to raw materials for industrial production.
- New markets for manufactured goods.
- Political:
- Nationalism: Desire for national prestige and power.
- Competition among European nations for global dominance.
- Cultural:
- Belief in racial superiority (Social Darwinism).
- The duty to civilize 'less developed' regions (White Man's Burden).
Tools of Imperialism (How):
- Military conquest and force.
- Diplomatic agreements and treaties.
- Economic colonization through companies (e.g., East India Company).
- Use of propaganda to justify imperialist actions.

Overview of the Scramble:
- The rapid invasion, colonization, and occupation of Africa by European powers during the late 19th century.
Who: Major powers involved included:
- Britain
- France
- Germany
- Belgium
- Italy
Where: Major regions of Africa affected:
- West Africa: Britain & France
- Central Africa: Belgium
- East Africa: Britain
- South Africa: Britain & Netherlands (Boers)
Berlin Conference:
- Held in 1884-85 among European nations.
- Aimed at regulating colonization and trade in Africa, ensuring no one power would dominate the continent.
- Resulted in the partitioning of Africa without consideration for indigenous cultures or historical boundaries.
Legacy of Colonial Rule in Africa:
- Economic exploitation and resource extraction.
- Cultural disruption and imposition of European languages and religions.
- Political restructuring, leading to border disputes and conflicts.
- Social stratification based on colonial hierarchies.

Significance of India:
- Known as the "Jewel in the Crown" of the British Empire due to its vast resources and strategic location.
East India Company Actions:
- Established trade monopolies, later assumed administrative control, and fostered economic exploitation.
Population Characteristics in India:
- Major religions:
- Muslims: Approximately 15% of the population.
- Hindus: Approximately 80% of the population.
- Cultural diversity in languages, customs, and traditions.
British Raj:
- The period of direct British colonial rule in India from 1858 to 1947.
Sepoy Rebellion:
- Participants: Indian soldiers (sepoys) in the British East India Company army.
- Reasons: Religious insensitivity (e.g., greased cartridges) and political discontent.
- Outcome: Suppression of the rebellion, followed by the end of the East India Company rule and the establishment of the British Raj.
Gandhi's Role and Nationalism:
- Gandhi advocated for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience against British rule, significantly influencing the independence movement.

Terminology:
- Referred to as both "The Great War" and "The War to End All Wars" due to its unprecedented scale and impact.
Four Causes of WWI - M.A.I.N.:
- Militarism:
- Nations built up military forces, leading to an arms race.
- Alliances:
- Entangled alliances that meant a conflict could escalate quickly (e.g., Triple Entente vs. Triple Alliance).
- Imperialism:
- Competition for colonies raised tensions among European powers.
- Nationalism:
- Intense national pride and desires for independence by ethnic groups.
Review Specific Video Clips:
- Discuss the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand as a trigger for the war.
- Analysis of the concept of "Wrong Turn" regarding the cascading effects of diplomatic failures.
Map of Europe:
- Identify the countries involved in the Triple Entente (Allies) and Triple Alliance (Central Powers).
Weapons of WWI:
- Innovations included machine guns, tanks, poison gas, and artillery, which significantly altered the nature of warfare.

Review PowerPoints and Assignments:
- Emphasize understanding of maps and key events.
Complete Packet Exercises:
- Answer 42 questions that encompass critical concepts discussed in class.