Empire, War, and Revolution 1850-1939

The Crimean War started due to a combination of factors, including British concern over Russian expansionism, Russia's ambition to exploit the Ottoman Empire's decline, and the religious conflict between Orthodox and Catholic Christians in the region.

The unification of Italy and Germany weakened the Austrian Empire by stirring up nationalistic aspirations among non-German populations within the empire, pushing them to seek independence.

Piedmont joined the Crimean War to bolster its claim to intervene on behalf of Lombardy and Venetia, increasing its influence over Italian territories.

German states used both incentives and forceful methods to consolidate control, expanding police powers, improving infrastructure, and limiting political rights.

The Peace of Prague in 1866 established Prussian domination over Germany.

By altering the Ems Dispatch, Otto von Bismarck ignited the Franco-Prussian War, manipulating a diplomatic message to provoke French aggression.

Nationalism is not a traditional ideology; it functions more like a shared belief system, capable of encompassing multiple identities rather than excluding them.

The Sonderweg thesis posits that Germany's unique path diverged from other nations due to a mix of economic development and undemocratic structures in explaining Germany's historical path.

Bismarck's nation-state emphasized a cohesive national identity without entirely neglecting or suppressing regional differences or institutions.

Württemberg's history started with joining Napoleon's coalition against Russia and Austria, gaining territories and being elevated from a Duchy to a Kingdom.

Nationalism is the belief that a nation is a sovereign political community.

A union of German states before German unification.

German statesman who led the unification of Germany.

Process that created the modern German nation-state.

Conflict between France and Prussia, leading to French loss.

French emperor during the middle of the 19th century.

By 1902, European powers had control over 90% of the African continent, up from just 11% in the late 19th century.

A phrase used to describe the supposed obligation of Western Europeans to bring 'civilization' to Africa, as popularized by Rudyard Kipling's poem.

Imperialism shifted the Balance of Power to Africa through access to colonial resources, fueling a naval arms race, and creating strategic advantages, like the Suez Canal.

The conference where the rules of European colonization in Africa were established, including the creation of the Congo Free State.

King Leopold II's rule over the Congo was notorious for its brutality. In 1908, the Belgian government took control to curb the violence.

This novel exposed the horrors of the Congo Free State, helping to draw attention to the atrocities committed under King Leopold II.

A key figure in the British imperial project, Cecil Rhodes ran the protectorates of Zambia and Zimbabwe like a private company, exploiting African labor.

Trotha's war against the Herero people in Namibia was marked by extreme brutality and a racial ideology that later influenced the Nazis.

Lothar von Trotha used this term to justify his policies of racial segregation and exclusion in Namibia, echoing Nazi ideology.

Imperial propaganda often associated cleanliness with whiteness, popularized through products like Pears soap and human zoos.

Wilhelm II saw the German navy as a national institution for maritime empire, unlike the Prussian army, which he viewed as exclusive.

Germany's imperial ambitions, naval expansion, and Wilhelms II's policies led to a naval arms race with England.

Germany's quest for global power, as foreign secretary Bernhard von Bülow put it, led it to compete with England for colonies.

Imperialism had a profound impact on African societies, leading to colonization, exploitation of resources, and the imposition of European systems.

A period of rapid European colonization of Africa in the late 19th century, driven by economic and political interests.

The idea of 'survival of the fittest' was used to justify European imperialism, arguing that stronger nations were destined to rule weaker ones.

The Suez Canal was a key strategic waterway that facilitated European imperialism in Africa and the Middle East.

African people resisted European colonization through various means, including armed conflict, diplomacy, and cultural preservation.

Imperialism has left a lasting impact on Africa, shaping its political, economic, and social landscapes with both positive and negative consequences.

Advances in technology, like firearms and transportation, were key factors in facilitating European imperialism in Africa.

European nationalism played a role in motivating and justifying imperial expansion, fostering a sense of national superiority and competition.

Imperialism shaped European society by creating colonial empires, influencing economic development, and fostering a sense of racial superiority.

The Congo Free State, ruled by Leopold II, was infamous for its brutal exploitation of the Congolese population through forced labor and violence.

European imperialism played a significant role in shaping the Middle East, impacting its political landscape, economy, and cultural identity.

European powers used diplomacy and treaties to divide and exploit Africa, legitimizing their colonial claims through international agreements.

Economic motives, like access to resources, markets, and cheap labor, were key drivers of European imperialism in Africa.

Imperialism led to the emergence of anti-imperialist movements in Africa, advocating for independence and self-determination.

Imperialism had a profound impact on indigenous cultures in Africa, leading to the suppression of traditions, languages, and beliefs.

European imperialism was often based on racist ideologies, viewing African people as inferior and justifying their exploitation.

Religion was sometimes used as a justification for imperialism, with Europeans claiming to bring Christianity and civilization to Africa.