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Meiji Restoration
Japan rapidly modernized, adopting Western military, industry, and governance. This allowed it to challenge European powers and expand its empire.
• Significance: Japan’s rise altered international power dynamics, leading to conflicts in Asia. -
German Unification
Germany unified under Prussian leadership, shifting Europe’s power balance. This led to rising tensions, contributing to imperial rivalries and WWI.
• Significance: Increased competition among European powers and intensified imperial expansion. -
Berlin Conference
European powers divided Africa, formalizing the “Scramble for Africa.” This led to exploitation and tensions between imperial nations.
• Significance: Expanded European imperialism and fueled international rivalries. -
First Sino-Japanese War
Japan defeated China, gaining Taiwan and control over Korea. This victory marked its rise as a dominant Asian power.
• Significance: Showed Japan’s military strength and weakened China, inviting further foreign intervention. -
Spanish-American War
The U.S. defeated Spain, acquiring territories like the Philippines and Puerto Rico, marking its emergence as an imperial power.
• Significance: Expanded U.S. global influence and set the stage for future interventions -
Boxer Rebellion
Chinese nationalists attempted to expel foreign influence but were crushed by Western and Japanese forces, reinforcing foreign control over China.
• Significance: Highlighted resistance to imperialism and deepened Western dominance in Asia. -
Russo-Japanese War
Japan defeated Russia in a war over Manchuria and Korea, proving its military power and challenging European dominance.
• Significance: Shifted global perceptions of Japan and weakened Russia, contributing to unrest. -
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
The Austrian Archduke’s assassination triggered a chain reaction of alliances, leading to World War I.
• Significance: Directly caused WWI, reshaping international relations and empires. -
U.S. Enters World War I
Unrestricted German submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram pushed the U.S. into WWI, shifting the war in favor of the Allies.
• Significance: Marked the U.S.’s emergence as a global superpower. -
Wilson’s Fourteen Points
President Wilson proposed a peace plan promoting self-determination and the League of Nations, shaping post-war diplomacy.
• Significance: Influenced future international relations and set the foundation for global cooperation.