Imperialism Review Flashcards

General Imperialism

  • Definition of Imperialism

    • Imperialism is the policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

  • Driving Forces of Imperialism (Causes)

    • Economic: Desire for new markets and resources.
    • Political: Nationalism and competition among European powers.
    • Social: The belief in cultural superiority (Social Darwinism).

  • Conditions/Factors for Successful Imperialism in Africa

    • Technological advancements (e.g., steam-powered ships, telegraphs).
    • Weakness of African states.
    • Internal divisions among tribes.

  • Positive and Negative Effects of Imperialism

    • Positive: Infrastructure development, introduction of Western education, healthcare improvements.
    • Negative: Exploitation of resources, cultural erasure, social displacement, and conflict.

  • Forms of Imperialism

    • Colony: Direct settlement by the imperial power.
    • Protectorate: Local rulers maintain their positions but follow advice from the imperial power.
    • Sphere of Influence: A region in which an imperial power has exclusive rights to trade and investment.
    • Economic Imperialism: Control of a nation's economy by foreign businesses rather than direct political control.

  • Management Styles of Imperialism

    • Direct Control: Involves the use of centralized officials who exert control over the colony.
    • Indirect Control: Local government officials are used to administer the colony but are under the control of the imperial power.

Africa

  • Scramble for Africa

    • A period in the late 19th century when European powers rapidly divided and colonized Africa.

  • Berlin Conference

    • 1884-1885 meeting where European nations agreed on rules for colonization of Africa.

  • Key Figures

    • Otto von Bismarck: Chancellor of Germany who initiated the Berlin Conference.
    • King Leopold II: King of Belgium known for the exploitation of the Congo.

  • South Africa and Apartheid

    • Boers: Dutch settlers in South Africa, primarily of Afrikaner descent.
    • Boer War: Conflict between the British Empire and Dutch settlers in South Africa (1899-1902).

  • Key Laws and Policies

    • Passports: Used to restrict movement during Apartheid.
    • Bantustans: Ethnic homelands established under Apartheid to segregate different racial groups.
    • ANC (African National Congress): Political party formed to oppose Apartheid.
    • Freedom Charter: A manifesto of the ANC outlining ideals for a democratic South Africa.
    • Soweto Uprising (1976): Protests against the imposition of Afrikaans in schools, leading to violent repression.
    • End of Apartheid: Key figures in the transition included FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela.

  • Post-Imperialism Challenges

    • Economic instability, social division, and maintaining unity in newly independent states.

Asia

  • China

    • Opium: A narcotic traded by British merchants; led to widespread addiction in China.
    • Opium War: A conflict between China and Britain (1839-1842) over trade rights.
    • Spheres of Influence: Areas where foreign powers had exclusive trading rights in China.
    • Taiping Rebellion: Massive civil war in China (1850-1864) against the ruling Qing dynasty, leading to millions of deaths.
    • Boxer Rebellion: Anti-foreigner uprising in 1900, aimed at expelling foreign influence.
    • Open Door Policy: U.S. policy aimed at ensuring equal trading rights for all nations in China.

  • Japan

    • Feudal Japan: A period of decentralized power under regional lords.
    • Key Figures:
    • Emperor: The symbolic leader of Japan.
    • Shogun: The military ruler with real power.
    • Samurai: Warrior class of feudal Japan.
    • Commodore Matthew Perry: U.S. naval officer who opened Japan to Western trade in 1853 through gunboat diplomacy.
    • Meiji Restoration: Period (1868) that marked the end of feudalism and the start of modernization in Japan with extensive reforms in government, military, and economy.
    • Sino-Japanese War: Conflict between China and Japan (1894-1895) showing the latter's rise as a regional power.
    • Russo-Japanese War: War between Russia and Japan (1904-1905) over territorial disputes; Japan’s victory marked it as a rising power.

  • India

    • British East India Company: A British trading company that eventually controlled large territories in India.
    • Sepoy: Indian soldiers serving under British command.
    • Sepoy Rebellion: Major uprising against the British East India Company's rule in 1857.
    • Raj: Direct British rule in India after the rebellion.
    • Mahatma Gandhi: Leader advocating for non-violent civil disobedience against British rule.