Imperialism Basics
How did Charles Darwin’s ideas influence European imperialism?
Europeans misused Darwin’s theories to justify racism and “Social Darwinism,” claiming stronger nations had the right to rule weaker ones.
How did the Treaty of Nanjing weaken China?
It forced China to open ports, give Britain trading rights, and surrender Hong Kong after losing the Opium War.
Which African nations remained independent by 1914?
Ethiopia and Liberia.
How did the alliance system lead to WWI?
It turned a small conflict into a larger war because allies were obligated to join once fighting began.
What were two stipulations of the Treaty of Versailles?
Germany accepted blame (war guilt clause) and had to pay reparations.
What was the “civilizing mission”?
The belief that Europeans had a duty to “civilize” non-European peoples by spreading culture, religion, and education.
What caused the decline of the Ottoman Empire?
Failure to industrialize, territorial losses, corruption, and European pressure.
Who was Menelik II?
Ethiopian emperor who modernized the military and defeated Italy at the Battle of Adwa.
What was the Schlieffen Plan?
Germany’s strategy to defeat France quickly by invading through Belgium, then fight Russia
What political changes did the Russian Revolution create?
Overthrow of the Tsar, rise of the Bolsheviks, establishment of a communist government.
What economic motives drove imperialism in the 1800s?
Desire for raw materials, new markets, and investment opportunities.
How did oil discovery affect Iran in 1908?
It increased Western interest and influence, especially British control through the Anglo-Persian Oil Company.
What was a major economic impact of British rule in India?
Destruction of local industry and shift to cash-crop agriculture, causing famines and unemployment.
Name two new technologies used in WWI.
Machine guns, tanks, poison gas, aircraft, submarines.
What was the purpose of the Paris Peace Conference?
To negotiate peace after WWI and reshape Europe’s borders.
What was decided at the Berlin Conference (1884–1885)?
European powers divided Africa with no African participation, creating artificial borders.
How did Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese War affect Japan?
It proved Japan was a rising world power and boosted national pride during the Meiji Restoration.
What event ended the rule of the British East India Company?
The Sepoy Rebellion of 1857.
What role did women play on the home front during WWI?
Worked in factories, produced war materials, and filled jobs left by soldiers.
Why did the Russian people support the Bolsheviks?
They promised “peace, land, and bread” during war, famine, and economic collapse.
What is the difference between a protectorate and a sphere of influence?
Protectorate: Local rulers stay but foreign power controls defense/foreign affairs.
Sphere of influence: Foreign powers control trade/economy without direct rule.
What was the Suez Canal’s importance in imperialism?
It shortened trade routes between Europe and Asia, increasing British control over Egypt.
Name one major cultural impact of imperialism in India.
Spread of English language, Western education, and growing Indian nationalism.
What caused the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?
Serbian nationalism and the Black Hand’s desire to end Austro-Hungarian rule in the Balkans.
What long-term effects did WWI and the Russian Revolution have on the world?
New nations formed, tensions increased, communist ideology spread, and global politics shifted dramatically.