-
Meiji Restoration
In 1868, a group of samurai launched a coup that overthrew the shogunate and established the Meiji era. The Japanese military was modernized and western education and culture were adopted. Japan was now to compete with Western powers. This is important because it showed Japan's rapid modernization, allowing. it to compete with Western powers, which reshaped international power in Asia. -
German Unification
After the Franco-Prussian war of 1871, most of the German-speaking states of Europe united under the crown of Prussia to form the German Empire. This also established Otto Von Bismark as German Chancellor. This was significant because it changed the power in Europe, leading to the rise of a strong, unified Germany that would possibly challenge imperial rivalries and influence international relations. -
Belgian Scramble for the Congo
The Belgian Scramble was King Leopold II of Belgium's brutal extortion and private ownership of the Congo Free State. Leopold extracted resources, particularly rubber, through forced labor and violence against the Congolese population. This led to the West Berlin Africa conference. This was important because it exposed the reality of imperialism, leading to international criticism. -
Publication of The Influence of Sea Power upon History by Mahan
Alfred T Mahan wrote a book arguing that a nation’s power is based on its naval power. This led to the more American influence in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean. It also contributed to the naval arms race. This is significant because it led to American strategies to build stronger naval fleets and extend their global influence. -
Turner’s Frontier Thesis
Frederick Turner argued that the westward expansion and the frontier shaped American democracy. The thesis emphasized the role of westward expansion in American identity. It had a significant influence on U.S. history. This is important as it allowed America to establish its national identity, which later played a role in the U.S. becoming a global power. -
First Sino-Japanese War
Japan defeated China in a war over control of Korea. The victory marked Japan’s emergence as a regional power. The Treaty of Shimonoseki ended the war and saw China cede Taiwan, Korea, and Port Arthur to Japan. This was significant because Japan’s victory marked its rise as a regional power, shifting the balance of power in East Asia and increasing Japan's influence in international relations. -
Spanish-American War
The U.S. defeated Spain in a long hard fight over Cuban independence. Spain ceded territories like Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines to the U.S. This conflict reshaped the U.S.' role as a major power. This was significant because by defeating Spain, the US gained territories and marked its shift into a global imperial power with increased influence in the Caribbean and Pacific. -
Fashoda Crisis
British and French forces clashed in Sudan over control of the Upper Nile Region. The conflict was resolved diplomatically, avoiding war. French claims were recognized in Morocco and British claims to Sudan were also recognized. This was significant because it showed the imperial competition between Britain and France, leading to diplomatic negotiations that shaped future colonial territories and reduced the risk of conflict in Africa. -
Second Boer War
The Second Boer War was a conflict between the British Empire and the Boer republics of the Transvaal and Orange Free State in South Africa. It came from issues like political control and the discovery of gold. The British ultimately won after 3 years. This was significant because it highlighted the tensions between imperial powers over resources and control, changing Britain's influence in South Africa. -
Boxer Rebellion
China was going through very extensive foreign interference and influence, especially economically. The Chinese government supported the rebellion and declared war on the foreign powers. They were defeated by an 8-power alliance and forced to pay 67 million pounds in compensation. This was significant because it revealed the range of foreign control over China, leading to foreign influence and intervention, and changing China’s relationship with imperial powers.