-
Meiji Restoration
Japan felt outdated and needed to modernize their country in fears of European threats. They restored their shogun, created a democracy, updated their trade, and made a tax system. This made Japan rise massively in power and become stronger. It is important towards Japan becoming a major power as it gave them the ability to win against Russia and made them feared amongst others. -
Scramble for Africa
European powers like Britain, France, Germany, and Italy wanted power, resources, and territory and took advantage of Africa. Economic factors included resources like rubber, ivory, gold, and diamonds, while political factors were nationalism, converting Africans to Christianity, and military bases. This made high conflict from cultures being divided and African resistance. It showed imperialism was a significant force as it was the most efficient way to gain power worldwide. -
Belgian Scramble for the Congo
During the Scramble for Africa, King Leopold II of Belgium wanted to control the Congo as his own territory. Leopold used force labor and killings to get the Congo over to Belgium control. They exploited the Congo's resources and labor to grow in power, while bringing infrastructure and education. Within international relations, it increased tensions within Belgium and other powers as their brutal policy for colonial rule. -
First Sino-Japanese War
Conflict against China and Japan since China owned Korea, but Japan had influence in Korea. Japan defeated China with their modernized military. They signed the Treay of Shimonoseki, giving Japan control of Korea and Taiwan as well as other territories. This victory showed its imperial expansion in East Africa, showed its military potential, and made others recognize Japan's significance. -
Spanish-American War
Conflict against the United States and Spain for Cuban independence against Spanish rule. A US battleship exploded in the Havana harbor in which they blamed Spain for, causing more tension. The US Navy defeated Spain and resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which gave Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the US. This helped the USA emerge as a world power by expanding its influence beyond its borders, showed its strength, and gave it colonies. -
Fashoda Crisis
Tension and conflict between Britain and France after trying to gain control of African territory. They had conflicting claims around Fashoda and nearly led to war, but instead negotiated. They ended up with a border between British and French territories to keep balance in power. It decreased relations between Britain and France, but ended up in stronger alliance. -
Philippine-American War
Conflict between the United States and the Philippines since the United States did not give them full independence. Filipinos fought against Americans in revolution, but lost from the United States' higher military strength and resources. They maintained rule over the Philippines until it gained independence in 1946. It affected international relations as it strained US and other nations' relations such as in Asia. American imperialism was seen as a threat and debate of self-determination. -
Second Boer War
Conflict between Britain and the Boers for the second time. They used guerrilla tactics and concentration traps which led to Britain winning. This happened from Britain wanting imperial expansion, and the Boers' want for independence and control over their gold-rich territories. It affected relations between Britain and other European powers such as Germany which had sympathy for the Boers, causing tension. -
Entente Cordiale
An agreement between Britain and France to resolve colonial disputes and establish alliance. They recognized territorial claims and settled disputes in Africa and Asia. This ended up with crucial alliance throughout the events leading to WWI. This promoted peace within Britain and France's relations and gave each other support, resources, and power. -
First Moroccan Crisis
Conflict between Germany, France, and Britain for Moroccan control. Germany visited Morocco in which challenged France's Moroccan economic interests. It ended up in growing rivalry and alliance leading up to WWI. It showed why imperialism was significant by showing what European powers would do for potential resources, markets, and trade routes in Morroco.