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Berlin West Africa Conference
The Berlin West Africa Conference was held to discuss the colonization of Africa. 14 European nations and the USA attended the conference. At the conference, they established the rules for the colonization of Africa. Imperialism was such a significant force because they organized exactly how they would proceed with the colonization -
Fashoda Crisis
A dispute between Britain and France over African territory. Both European countries wanted to expand their empires and claim control over the Nile River. The conflict was eventually settled with the Entente Cordiale. The impact of imperialism led to a crisis that could have led to a war between Britain and France -
Spanish-American War
The Spanish-American War was a conflict between the USA and Spain over Cuban independence. The USA declared war on Spain after the destruction of the USS Maine, which was believed to have been caused by Spain. The USA defeated Spain and received Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The USA also annexed Hawaii. The Spanish-American War marked the emergence of the USA as a world power because they beat a European power and gained multiple territories, which helped them build their economy -
Second Boer War
The Second Boer War was between Britain and the Boers. The war was caused by tensions over British imperial expansion and the discovery of gold and diamonds in Boer territory (Transvaal and Orange Free State.) The Boers used guerilla warfare, which was met by concentration camps and the scorched earth technique by the British. Because the British used such harsh techniques that were looked down on, European countries, the US and even their own public criticized their actions. -
Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion was a violent uprising in China. The Boxers were against the immigration of foreigners and the Christian culture. The Boxers targeted any Chinese people who turned to Christianity and any foreign promoters of Christianity. The rebellion ended with an eight-power alliance consisting of Britain, France, the USA, Germany, Russia, Japan, Italy, and Austria. The imperialism of foreign countries led to an increase of influence from westerners, called spheres of influence -
Anglo-Japanese Alliance
The Anglo-Japanese Alliance was a military alliance signed by both Britain and Japan. Both countries agreed to be neutral if the other was fighting a single country but would assist the other if fighting multiple countries. Britain respected Japan's claims in Korea, and in return, Japan promised to protect Britain with their navy in the far east. The Anglo-Japanese marked the first time Japan was acknowledged as a world power and this alliance gave them help in the future. -
Russo-Japanese War
The Russo-Japanese war between Russia and Japan over claims of control over Korea and Manchuria. Japan started the war by attacking a Russian naval base. Japan received help from Britain after Russia mistook British boats for Japanese boats. Britain responded by closing the Suez Canal, making it harder for Russia to get to the Far East. The war ended in 1905 with the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth. Japan won the war, which marked the first time an Asian power beat a European power. -
First Moroccan Crisis
The First Moroccan Crisis was a dispute between France and Germany's imperial interests in Morocco. The Kaiser of Germany went to Morocco and declared its independence, which contradicted France's influence. This raised tensions, which were resolved at the Algeciras Conference in 1906. The two countries imperial interests in Morocco caused tensions between them and paved the path for the Second Moroccan Crisis -
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand was the Archduke of Austria and heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. He was assassinated in 1914 by a Serbian nationalist named Gavrilo Princip. This assassination led to a chain of events that started World War I. -
Wilsons Fourteen Points Proposed
The Fourteen Points were principles for the world to follow after the end of the First World War. President Woodrow Wilson had a vision of international peace that included self-determination, open diplomacy, the establishment of the League of Nations, and many others. The Fourteen Points served as a foundation for the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. Wilson won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 for the creation of the League of Nations.