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Meiji Restoration
The Meiji Restoration was the reform and modernization of Japan. During this time power was restored back to the emperor, a new legal system was made based on western ones, modernized its army as well. Also allowed Japan to industrialize and modernize their textile industry and expand trade.
The Meiji Restoration was a significant event in allowing Japan to emerge as a world power by being able to expand their trade and military. -
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Berlin West Africa Conference
This conference was where the imperial powers met and drew up rules on how to legitimately claim African territory. This resulted in the speeding up of the Scramble for Africa. This was European powers were already racing to annex territory for colonies and markets.
The Berlin West Africa Conference was a way for the imperial powers to establish order since the wave of new imperialism caused them to race and compete for territory in Africa. -
Discovery of Gold in Transvaal
The discovery of gold in the Transvaal had gained the interest of the British but Germany already hade growing political influence there. With this new discovery Britain wanted to gain control over the area which caused tensions between Britain, Germany and the Boers. This led to conflict between Britain and the Boers whcih led to eventual war.
This is an example of imperialism at play since Britain was trying to obtain the resources of the Transvaal from the Boers. -
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First Sino-Japanese war
Tensions were created between Japan and China because of conflicting interest in Korea. When Japan tried to strengthen its position in Korea it caused China to declare war. Although Japan's army was smaller than China's in the end Japan was victorious being better organized and equipped with modern weapons.
This was a turning point for Japan because they were able to establish their control over Korea and surprised everyone by defeating China which helped it emerge as a world power. -
Spanish American War
The Spanish American War was caused by US intervention in the war initially between Cuba and Spain. The US intervened when the war was interfering with its trade with Cuba and the sinking of the Maine a US battleship was blamed on the Spanish. In the end the US won against the Spanish and made agreements which gave them control over Cuba, Puerto Rico and some other islands.
This was a significant time for America because it was now seen as a growing threat after defeating the Spanish. -
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Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion was the result of Chinese protest to foreign domination. Not wanting to meet the same fate as Africa, being divided and claim, they started their revolt. This ultimately cause the formation of the Treaty powers which included Russia, Japan, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and the USA to intervene and put and ended to the rebellion.
This was significant event which kind of bettered relations between the powers since they all came together to end the rebellion. -
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Second Boer War
The second Boer was was caused by the British trying to take control over the Boer Republics. The Boers were opposed to British rule and declared war on Britain and received aid from Germany with things such as modern weapons and food. Although the British won this created good relations between the Boers and Germany and increased tensions between Germany and Britain.
This is an example of imperialism again with Britain and Germany competing, for influence and access to the gold in the Transvaal -
Anglo-Japanese Treaty/Allaince
Japan needed a way to defend its interest in China and Korea and to do so needed to align itself with one of the powers. Japan ended up allying with Britain and negotiated a defensive alliance between them. With this agreement Japan recognized Britain's interest in China and Britain recognized Japan's interest in Korea. They also agreed to support each other in a war including a third party.
With the support of Britain as a new ally this helped Japan grow and better establish itself as a power. -
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Russo-Japanese war
The Russo-Japanese war was caused by conflicting interest of Russia and Japan over Manchuria. This eventually led to the war between the two and it was thought that Russia would for sure win. But Russia underestimating Japan led to its defeat and caused shock in Europe, a small army was able to defeat a great power.
This is a significant time for Japan since it allowed them emerge as a world power and it increased good relations between Britain and Japan since Britain aided Japan in the war. -
The First Morrocan Crisis
This crisis was caused by tensions between Germany and France, Germany not accepting Franc's position in Morocco. Germany's attempt to establish influence in Morocco failed after Spain entrusted France with supervision over Morocco and other states such as the Us agreed that France had province over Morocco. It seemed like a real possibility that since 1870 a Franco-German war was possible.
This event created tension between Germany and a lot of powers and increased the ones with France.