II. Imperialism in India, China, and Africa (1800s-1914)
A) Effects (results) of imperialism- The Europeans generally had a very negative impact on the
regions that they colonized (took over) in India, China, and Africa:
1) “Scramble for Africa”- Over 90% of Africa was taken over by European countries that
scrambled (raced) to take over the continent.
2) China- After the British began smuggling opium (an addictive drug) into China, the
Chinese fought back in the famous Opium Wars. After being defeated, China was carved
up into spheres of influence (areas where trade was controlled by different European
nations).
3) India- India was taken over by Great Britain (England) and ruled for almost 200 years.
B) The people of Africa and Asia did not like being ruled by European nations. As a result, they
fought many wars to kick out the Europeans (also called Westerners) and gain independence
(self-government):
1) Sepoy Mutiny- Rebellion in which India tried (but failed) to gain independence from
Great Britain (England).
2) Boxer Rebellion- Rebellion in which China tried (but failed) to gain independence from
the various European (Western) nations that controlled them.
III. Imperialism in Japan
A) From 1600-1854, Japan was largely isolated and wanted little contact with the rest of the world.
B) 1854- Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States sailed into Japan in order to open up the
country to trade. We wanted to do business with Japan.
C) Meiji Restoration (1868-1912)
1) This is the period in Japanese history when Japan was ruled by Emperor Meiji.
2) NOTE: During this period, Japan began a rapid (fast) program of modernization and
westernization.
3) Modernization- Japan industrialized (built factories, machines, roads, communications).
4) Westernization- Japan adopted the customs and techniques of Western countries (i.e.-
Europe and the United States). Japan changed its government, military, education
system, and technology to make it more like those of Europe and the United States.
D) NOTE: As result of the changes made during the Meiji Period, Japan became a powerful and
modern industrial country. Instead of being taken over by Europeans or the United States (the
way India, China, and Africa were), Japan actually started to take over (imperialize) other
countries.
E) Japanese Imperialism
1) Now that Japan had factories, it needed natural resources/raw materials (like coal, tin,
iron, and lead) to make products.
2) Since Japan had very few natural resources of its own, Japan took over Korea and part of
China to gain these resources.
TOPIC: WORLD WAR I
I. World War I (1914-1918)
A) World War I was a global military conflict that was fought mainly in Europe.
B) Causes of (reasons for) World War I- The war took place for several important reasons. NOTE:
You can remember the causes by just thinking of the word (M.A.I.N.):
1) Militarism- Countries in Europe (especially Germany and Britain) built up their armies
and their supply of weapons in the late 1800s.
2) Alliances- Countries in Europe divided themselves into two military alliances (the Triple
Alliance and Triple Entente) in order to prepare for war. This alliance system increased
tension in Europe.
3) Imperialism- Countries in Europe competed with each other to take over lands in Africa,
Asia, and the Balkans (Southeastern Europe). This competition increased tension.
4) Nationalism- Ethnic groups in the Balkans (Southeastern Europe) wanted to gain
independence (self-government) from Austria-Hungary and they were willing to fight for
it.