World History: Imperialism & Nationalism

What was the primary purpose of the 1884-1885 Berlin Conference?

To establish international rules for European colonization and trade in Africa to avoid military conflict among European powers.

How did Social Darwinism justify 19th-century imperialism?

It applied the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to human societies, suggesting that technologically advanced nations were naturally meant to dominate 'weaker' ones.

What was the core message of Rudyard Kipling's poem 'The White Man's Burden'?

It argued that Western nations had a moral obligation to 'civilize' non-Western people through colonization and the spread of their culture.

In which country did the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 take place?

India.

Who was the 'Iron Chancellor' responsible for the unification of Germany through 'Blood and Iron'?

Otto von Bismarck.

Which Asian nation underwent rapid modernization and industrialization during the Meiji Restoration to avoid Western colonization?

Japan.

Why were industrializing European nations driven to acquire colonies in the late 19th century?

To secure reliable sources of raw materials and create exclusive new markets for their manufactured goods.

What was a major consequence of the Treaty of Nanking following the First Opium War?

China was forced to open five treaty ports to British trade, pay an indemnity, and cede Hong Kong to Great Britain.

How did King Leopold II's administration of the Congo Free State differ from most other colonial models?

The Congo was his private property rather than a state colony, and it was characterized by extreme brutality and forced labor to extract rubber.

How did the roles of Camillo di Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi differ in the unification of Italy?

Cavour used diplomacy and strategic alliances in the north, while Garibaldi led military campaigns with his 'Red Shirts' in the south.