Unit 6 Imperialism Flashcard

Front

The Berlin Conference in 1884 was significant because it

Back

established rules for the European division of Africa

Answer explanation

In order to avoid wars resulting from arguments over the imperialistic desires for Africa (scramble for Africa), European nations met in Berlin, Germany to divide up the African continent. No Africans participated in these negotiations. Europeans paid no heed to long standing tribal rivalries and drew boundaries that suited their own imperialistic desires. Even today the artificial boundaries drawn at the Berlin Conference continue to create civil conflict in the nations of Africa.

Front

Which situation was a result of the 1884 Berlin Conference?

Back

Africa was divided without regard to ethnic groups.

Answer explanation

Under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck, a meeting was held in Berlin, Germany, to divide up Africa among the European powers. The aim was to divide the continent so that the Europeans would not be drawn into war with one another. No African was present at the meeting. No consideration was made regarding the ethnic groups of Africa. Thus, Hutus and Tutsis (two tribes whose rivalry had preceded the European in Africa) were grouped in the Belgian Congo.

Front

One of the most important motives for the European "Scramble for Africa" in the late 1800s was that Africa provided a source of

Back

raw materials used in industry

Answer explanation

As Europeans industrialized, their factories required ever increasing raw materials. The finished products then needed markets. Africa provided these plus a place to invest profits.

Front

Which statement best reflects an effect of imperialism in Africa? Options: Land was distributed equally between social classes. Territorial divisions were primarily established using tribal boundaries. Natural resources were exploited for the benefit of European powers. Timbuktu became the center of great learning.

Back

Natural resources were exploited for the benefit of European powers.

Answer explanation

Europeans went into Africa looking for resources beneficial to European industrial development. Rubber and copper are good examples of the resources that they desired, found, and exploited.

Front

Which description of trade patterns best represents the relationship between Africa and Europe during the late 19th century?

Back

Raw materials were shipped from Africa to European industries.

Answer explanation

The late 19th century (1800s) was characterized by imperialism, when European powers colonized African societies to gain access to the raw materials found there. The Industrial Revolution created a great demand for raw materials to fuel European factories.

Front

One major reason European countries engaged in imperialism in the late 19th century was to obtain markets for their manufactured goods.

Back

obtain markets for their manufactured goods

Answer explanation

The Age of Imperialism, mid-late 19th century, was a result of the Industrial Revolution. A successful industrial nation needs raw materials so they can produce goods, and also markets in which to sell the goods. The resulting colonies provided both the materials and the markets for finished goods.

Front

Social Darwinism and the ideas expressed in the “White Man’s Burden” were used by Europeans to justify their policies of

Back

imperialism

Answer explanation

Social Darwinism teaches that, as in the natural world of animals and plants, the strongest and fittest survive in society. Translated into the human experience, Social Darwinism explains, excuses, or promotes one group dominating another, and is often used as a justification of imperialism. Kipling’s poem “White Man’s Burden” also expressed the idea of one group dominating another, the white over non-white populations.

Front

What was a principal reason for the success of European colonialism in Asia in the late 1800s?

Back

Europe was able to dominate military and commercial relations with Asia.

Answer explanation

The wealth and technology of the Europeans gave them the upper hand in Asia. The military weaponry alone was enough to establish European superiority.

Front

During the 19th century, European nations established spheres of influence in China mainly to

Back

gain commercial advantages in China

Answer explanation

Spheres of influence within China were developed to meet economic goals. England, France, Germany, Japan and Russia all had spheres of influence, areas in which each claimed exclusive trading privileges.

Front

This series of events is most closely associated with the: Opium War (1839–1842), Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864), Boxer Rebellion (1898–1901)

Back

growing concerns about the influence of the West in China

Answer explanation

All three of these events were unsuccessful attempts to drive Europeans from China. Each revolt showed the growing tension in China about the unwanted influence of the West.