Nationalism and Nation Building in Europe

A political ideology that advocates for individual rights, limited government, and democratic representation. Liberals believed in the ideas of the Enlightenment, such as religious freedom and equality before the law.

A movement that emphasizes the interests of a nation over others, promoting self-governance and unity among people with a shared background.

A period of significant uprisings and revolutions across Europe, driven by liberal and nationalist movements. These revolutions sought to challenge existing monarchies and establish more democratic governments.

The process of unifying different territories and populations into a single, self-governing nation. It often involves political, social, and cultural integration.

The Italian unification movement, aiming to create a unified Italian nation. This movement encompassed political, cultural, and social changes.

A statesman and prime minister of Piedmont-Sardinia who played a key role in Italian unification. He utilized alliances, wars, and diplomacy to expand Piedmont's influence and eventually unite Italy.

The annexation of Venetia to Italy in 1866, marking a significant step towards Italian unification. This was achieved through war with Austria and support from Prussia.

The French withdrawal from Rome in 1870, allowing the Italian army to finally capture the city and complete Italian unification. This marked the end of papal control over Rome.

The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) was a conflict between the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan, primarily fought in Manchuria and Korea. It was triggered by the rivalry between the two powers for influence in the region and the control of Korea.

The Japanese victory in the Russo-Japanese War represented a significant shift in global power dynamics. It marked the first time in modern history that an Asian power had defeated a European nation. This event solidified Japan's position as a major player on the world stage, shaking the established balance of power and demanding recognition from the West.

The Satsuma Rebellion (1877) was a significant event in the history of Japan. It was a rebellion by a group of samurai who opposed the modernization and Westernization of Japan under the Meiji Restoration. The rebellion was eventually put down by the modern Imperial Japanese Army, marking the end of the samurai era.

The LastSamurai, a film which was inspired by the Satsuma Rebellion, depicts the clash between traditional samurai values and the modern, Westernized Imperial army. It is a story about how Japanese society underwent a dramatic transformation during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912), transitioning from an isolated feudal society to a powerful modern industrialized nation.

The Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) was a period of major transformation in Japan. This period began with the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of the Imperial rule. The Meiji Restoration saw the rise of a modern nation with an industrialized economy, strong military, and a powerful global influence.

An iron ship used in the Opium Wars by the British, known for its shallow draft and adaptability to various conditions.

A treaty signed in 1842 that ended the First Opium War, imposing harsh terms on China, including territorial concessions, indemnity payments, and extraterritoriality for British citizens.

A massive rebellion in China from 1850 to 1864, aimed at overthrowing the Qing dynasty and establishing a theocratic state based on a blend of Christianity and Chinese beliefs.

The leader of the Taiping Rebellion, who claimed to be the younger brother of Jesus Christ and established the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

A series of treaties signed in 1858 and 1860 after the Second Opium War, further weakening China and expanding British influence.

The right of foreign citizens to be governed by their own laws and not those of the host country, a concession granted to the British in China after the Opium Wars.

A 103-day period of reforms initiated by Emperor Guangxu in 1898, aimed at modernizing China and introducing Western ideas.

A secret society that arose in China around the late 19th century, known for their anti-foreign sentiment and belief in supernatural immunity to Western weapons.

A rebellion against foreign powers in China, sparked by the Boxers, which resulted in the invasion of Beijing by a multinational force.

A system of governance where the King or Emperor grants land to lords in exchange for loyalty and military service.

The unification of Germany in the 19th century, which brought together various German states under Prussian leadership. It involved political maneuvering, military strength, and a sense of shared German identity.

A political philosophy that emphasizes practical considerations and results over ideals, morality, or theory. It's about getting things done.

A policy of isolation from other countries, often motivated by a desire to protect one's own culture and avoid foreign influence.

A trade system used by Qing Dynasty China to control foreign trade. It restricted trade to the port of Canton and limited interactions with foreign merchants.

The highly addictive drug derived from the opium poppy that was traded by the British to China, leading to social problems and ultimately contributing to the Opium Wars.

A series of armed conflicts between Britain and China in the 19th century, primarily sparked by the British desire to continue the lucrative opium trade with China.

A British warship known for its speed and firepower during the first Opium War. Its technological superiority played a significant role in British victories.

The Chinese official appointed by the Emperor to enforce the ban on opium trade, known for his strong stance and letter to Queen Victoria.

The period of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), marked by its vast land area, but also by internal problems such as famine and corruption, contributing to its decline.

The shogunate was a military government in Japan that ruled the country from 1603 to 1868. The Tokugawa shogunate was the last and most powerful of the shogunates.

The Edo period (1603 - 1868) in Japan was characterized by isolation from the outside world. Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, implemented a policy of isolationism to protect Japanese culture and independence.

The Treaty of Kanagawa (1854) was a significant event in Japan's history. It forced the opening of Japan to the West after centuries of isolation. Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival with U.S. ships prompted this agreement.

The Boshin War (1868-1869) was a civil war in Japan that resulted in the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule. Samurai from Satsuma and Choshu territories played a crucial role in this conflict.

The Charter Oath of 1868 was a set of five principles issued by Emperor Meiji that served as the foundation for modernization and reform in Japan.

The Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) was a period of rapid modernization and industrialization in Japan. It marked the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the return of the emperor to power.

The Meiji Restoration saw significant government reforms in Japan. The hierarchical class system was abolished, suffrage was extended to males, and the Emperor gained autocratic power.

The Meiji Restoration also included military reforms, transitioning from the samurai system to a modern, conscripted army, making Japan a powerful military force in the world.

The Meiji Restoration saw significant economic reforms, promoting economic freedom and industrialization. Japan saw a surge in the construction of railroads, mines, and factories, becoming a major industrial power.

The Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) was a conflict between Japan and China that resulted in Japan's victory and led to the annexation of Korea and Taiwan, marking Japan's emergence as a major world power.