Global Transformations: Imperialism, Colonialism, and World War I
Authoritarian Systems
Governed by monarchies, parliaments, and military presence in everyday life. Characterized by ethnic and cultural diversity, populations had very few rights.
Liberal Systems
In liberal systems, the separation of powers was strengthened, and new rights were recognized. Suffrage was gradually extended until universal male suffrage was achieved. As workers could vote, socialist parties began to be represented in parliament.
Russian Government and Emperor
The Russian government and emperor were called an autocracy and tsar, respectively.
Russification
Russification was the imposition of the Russian language and culture.
Westward Expansion
Westward expansion in the United States continued until the country extended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a conflict between the North and the South.
Imperialism Defined
Imperialism is the policy of extending a country’s domination over other regions.
Factors Driving Imperial Expansion
- Economic and Demographic Factors: Industrialization and migration.
- Religious Factors: Conversion efforts.
- Political Factors.
- Ideological and Scientific Factors.
British Colonies
Key British colonies included:
- Canada
- Guianas
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Bahamas
- Trinidad
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Malaysia
- India
- Burma
- Oman
- Hadhramaut
- Egypt
- Sudan
- Uganda
- Venia
- Nigeria
- Sierra Leone
- Gold Coast
- Rhodesia
- South Africa
Berlin Conference
The Berlin Conference was a meeting where the great powers convened to resolve their disputes regarding colonial claims in Africa.
Colonial Rule Structures
Colonial powers established different forms of rule:
- Colonies: The colonized nation lost all sovereignty to the colonizing power, which directly controlled the government.
- Protectorates: Colonial powers controlled the foreign policy and wealth of the colonized nation, while local rulers maintained some internal authority.
Colonial Economies
Colonial economies were primarily based on plantation agriculture and the extraction of minerals.
Demographic Impact of Colonization
In some parts of the world, inhabitants had limited prior contact with people from elsewhere, and thus lacked immunity to diseases brought by the colonizers. Consequently, colonization had a disastrous demographic impact.
Acculturation Defined
Acculturation is the adaptation of one culture to another.
Causes of World War I
World War I was caused by many related factors. In particular, mutual suspicions between European powers, conflicting colonial interests, and political ambition all contributed to this terrible conflict.
Objectives of Bismarck’s Alliances
The objectives of Bismarck’s alliances were to isolate France and maintain equilibrium in the Balkans.
Triple Alliance
The Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
Triple Entente
The Triple Entente consisted of France, Britain, and Russia.
Austria-Hungary’s Response to Archduke’s Assassination
In response to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary, backed by Germany, issued an ultimatum to Serbia, whom they held responsible. Serbia rejected the ultimatum, and Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
Russian Support for Slavic States
Russia supported the Slavic states (Serbia and Bulgaria) to prevent them from coming under Austro-Hungarian control.
Central Powers: Additional Members
The Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria joined the Central Powers.
Four Stages of World War I
War of Movement (1914)
Germany attempted to execute the Schlieffen Plan; however, the French stopped them. Russia also launched an offensive against Germany.
War of Positions (1914-1917)
Defensive resources were extremely effective, leading to stabilized fronts. There were vast networks of trenches, where soldiers spent months in very harsh conditions.
The Decisive Year (1917)
The Russian front collapsed, causing Russia to withdraw from the conflict. The USA joined the war on the side of the Allies.
The 1918 Offensive and the End of the War
The Germans made peace with Russia. In response, the Allies attacked all fronts. The Central Powers surrendered, and the armistice between Germany and the Allies was signed.