World Imperialism Study Guide

Questions and Answers

What is imperialism?

When one country takes control of another country

What are five motives of imperialism? (Select all that apply)

Economic (correct)

Cultural

Religious (correct)

Ideological (correct)

Political (correct)

Exploratory (correct)

What does the motive 'Economic' refer to in the context of imperialism?

Many nations needed materials to make products, did not want to depend on other countries, needed new markets to sell their products.

What does the motive 'Political' refer to in the context of imperialism?

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What does the motive 'Religious' refer to in the context of imperialism?

Many missionaries were sent to convert natives to Christianity and help build schools and hospitals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the motive 'Exploratory' refer to in the context of imperialism?

Were curious to see what else there was to offer in the world, saw this as a way to gain fame and fortune. Signup and view all the answers

What does the motive 'Ideological' refer to in the context of imperialism?

Thought they had a duty to spread Western ideas and knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is nationalism?

Intense love of one's country. Signup and view all the answers

What is racism?

Belief that your race or ethnic group is superior to others. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of imperialism? (Select all that apply)

Protectorates Signup and view all the answers

What is a colony?

A country or area under the control of another country. Signup and view all the answers

What is a settlement?

Groups of people living in a new place. Signup and view all the answers

What does dependent mean in imperialism?

Officials rule in other areas. Signup and view all the answers

What are protectorates?

Native rulers keep their titles, but officials from a foreign power actually have control. Signup and view all the answers

What are spheres of influence?

Areas in which one country has a special interest and other nations agree to respect that interest. Signup and view all the answers

What is the White Man's Burden?

A poem written by Rudyard Kipling used to justify imperialism. Signup and view all the answers

How did European countries divide Africa?

Berlin Conference. Signup and view all the answers

Why was control over the Suez Canal important?

It connected the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea, making trips to Asia shorter. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Cecil Rhodes?

A racist Englishman who wanted to control more of Africa to create more Anglo-Saxon race. Signup and view all the answers

What are positive effects of imperialism on Africa? (Select all that apply)

Built up trade markets Signup and view all the answers

What are negative effects of imperialism on Africa? (Select all that apply)

Destoyed cultures Signup and view all the answers

Why does Great Britain bring opium into China?

They wanted to introduce something the Chinese would want so they could see what the Chinese had to offer. Signup and view all the answers

What was China forced to do?

Sign the Treaty of Nanking. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Open Door Policy?

Right for all nations to trade equally in China. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Boxer Rebellion start in China?

The Qing Dynasty was unable to protect China, which signaled the end of their Mandate of Heaven. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Mandate of Heaven?

God gave the blessing of those in power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Boxer Rebellion?

Anti-foreigner rebellion that attacked anyone or anything from another country. Signup and view all the answers

Why was India the most important area under the British Empire?

It provided cotton, coffee, tea, and opium; it had a large population. Signup and view all the answers

What was Japan's role in the age of imperialism?

They helped it spread through trade. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Russo-Japanese War significant?

First time an Asian power defeated a European power. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Imperialism Overview

Imperialism involves one nation exerting control over another, often through military or economic means.
The five primary motives driving imperialism are economic, political, religious, exploratory, and ideological.

Economic Motives

Nations sought raw materials for production and aimed to reduce dependency on other countries.
New markets were required for selling manufactured goods, creating a drive for expansion.

Political Motives

Imperialism was often driven by national pride and the desire for global dominance among competing nations.

Religious Motives

Missionaries aimed to convert local populations to Christianity.
Efforts included establishing schools, providing healthcare, and building hospitals.

Exploratory Motives

Curiosity about foreign lands and peoples spurred explorations for both fame and fortune.
Nations wanted to ensure they didn't fall behind in the race for territorial expansion.

Ideological Motives

A belief existed that Western nations had a responsibility to spread their ideas and knowledge.
There was a strong conviction that dominating "lesser" nations was a moral duty rather than a choice.

Nationalism and Racism

Nationalism refers to a strong devotion to one’s country, often leading to competitive imperial ambitions.
Racism expressed a belief in the superiority of one race or ethnic group over others, justifying imperial control.

Types of Imperialism

Imperialism can manifest in three forms: colonies, protectorates, and spheres of influence.
Colonies are territories directly controlled by a foreign power.
Protectorates maintain local rulers while being under foreign control.
Spheres of influence involve regions where a foreign power holds exclusive privileges but does not directly govern.

White Man's Burden

A poem by Rudyard Kipling that rationalized imperialism as a moral obligation of Western powers to "civilize" other nations.

Africa and Imperialism

The Berlin Conference regulated European colonization and trade in Africa, leading to the partitioning of the continent.
The Suez Canal was strategically important, connecting the Red Sea and Mediterranean, facilitating faster trade routes to Asia.

Key Figures in Imperialism

Cecil Rhodes was a British imperialist with ambitions to expand Anglo-Saxon influence across Africa.

Effects of Imperialism on Africa

Positive outcomes include modernization, improved trade markets, advances in medicine, and education.
Negative consequences include cultural destruction, forced migration of tribal groups, the introduction of segregation, and unresolved societal issues.

Opium Trade and China's Reaction

Britain introduced opium to China, aiming to create a demand to exchange for Chinese goods.
China was coerced into signing the Treaty of Nanking, which favored foreign powers.

Open Door Policy

A principle allowing all nations to have equal trading rights in China, aimed at maintaining the country's territorial integrity.

Boxer Rebellion

Triggered by the Qing Dynasty's inability to safeguard national interests leading to anti-foreigner sentiments and violence.

India under British Rule

India was vital to the British Empire for its resources like cotton and tea, and its large population provided a labor force and market.

Japan's Role in Imperialism

Japan participated in the imperialist era, expanding influence primarily through trade.

Russo-Japanese War

Marked the first significant victory of an Asian power over a European power, altering perceptions of global power dynamics.

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Explore the key concepts of imperialism with these flashcards. Learn about the definition, motives, and economic and political factors that drive nations to exert control over others. Ideal for students of history or anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of imperialism.