Imperialism and Social Darwinism Quiz

Key Vocabulary

• Annexation: The formal act of acquiring territory, as seen when Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908. This increased tensions with Serbia and Russia.
• Assassination: The targeted killing of a prominent figure, such as Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip in 1914.
• Ultimatum: A final set of demands, like Austria-Hungary's harsh ultimatum to Serbia following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
• Mobilization: The process of assembling and preparing military forces for war, exemplified by Russia's partial and then full mobilization before WWI.
• Neutrality: The state of not supporting or helping any side in a conflict, violated by Germany when it invaded neutral Belgium, prompting Britain to declare war.
• Superpower: A nation with dominant influence in international affairs, characterized by political stability, military strength, economic power, and resources, like the UK, France, and Germany before WWI.
• Congress of Vienna (1815): A meeting of major European powers to restore balance and prevent future wars after the Napoleonic Wars.
• Nationalism: The belief in the superiority of one's nation and the desire for national independence, contributing to WWI tensions, particularly among Serbs.
• Imperialism: A policy of extending a country's political and economic power over other countries; a key cause of WWI due to rivalries over colonies.
• Colonialism: The practice of acquiring control of another country, establishing settlements, and exploiting resources, distinct from the broader imperialism of the late 19th century.
• Scramble for Africa: The rapid colonization of Africa by European powers in the late 19th century, driven by desires for resources and strategic advantages.
• Social Darwinism: The application of Darwin's theories to justify imperialism and racial superiority, contributing to European expansionist policies.
• White Man's Burden: The belief that it was the duty of Europeans to civilize non-European societies, used to justify imperialism.

Key Events, Concepts and Terms

• Realpolitik: A political system based on practical and realistic goals, as followed by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck.
• Weltpolitik: The foreign policy of German Kaiser Wilhelm II to make Germany a world power through imperial expansion.
• Triple Alliance: A military alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy to counterbalance the power of France and Russia.
• Triple Entente: An alliance of France, Russia, and the British Empire formed to oppose the Triple Alliance and curb German aggression.
• Militarism: The belief in building up strong armed forces, contributing to an arms race among European powers.
• Arms Race: The competitive buildup of military resources and weapons, exemplified by the naval race between Britain and Germany.
• Pan-Slavism: A nationalist movement advocating for the unity of Slavic peoples, supported by Russia and opposed by Austria-Hungary.
• Powder Keg of Europe: A term describing the Balkans, where nationalist tensions created a volatile situation.
• Eastern Question: The diplomatic issue concerning the fate of the weakening Ottoman Empire.
• Sick Man of Europe: A nickname for the declining Ottoman Empire due to political instability and territorial losses.
• Dreadnought: A type of battleship symbolizing the naval arms race between Britain and Germany.
• Balkan Wars (1912-1913): Conflicts in the Balkans that weakened the Ottoman Empire and increased Serbian nationalism.

Key Concepts

• Eastern Front: The theater of war between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia during WWI.
• Western Front: The main theater of war in Western Europe during WWI.
• Trench Warfare: A type of combat where soldiers fought from trenches, leading to prolonged stalemates and horrific conditions.
• No Man's Land: The dangerous area between opposing trenches.
• War of Attrition: A strategy of wearing down the enemy through continuous losses in personnel and material.
• Conscription: Mandatory enlistment of citizens into the military to meet the demands of total war.
• Total War: A conflict in which a country mobilizes all of its resources toward the war effort.
• Propaganda: Information used to influence public opinion and boost morale.