Unit 1: Empire and the Emergence of World Powers

  • German unification

    The unification of Germany made it a politically and administratively integrated nation. This took place at the hall of mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. This was done to strengthen the position of Prussia in Europe. This had altered the balance of powers.
  • Berlin West Africa Conference

    This conference allowed Europeans to have the opportunity of controlling Africa. It did not take the natives into consideration. It allowed European nations to do just about anything. This played a major role in the Scramble for Africa.
  • Discovery of Gold in the Transvaal

    Gold had been discovered on a Transvaal farm. This discovery by two prospectors allowed Africa to become the largest gold producer in the world. Africa was no longer an agricultural society. The discovery of gold was a huge turning point in South African hisotry.
  • First Sino-Japanese War

    This war was formed by a conflict between China and Japan over Korea. Both nations wanted to reign supreme in Korea. However, China lost due to its weak dynasty. Korea became a sphere of influence for Japan.
  • Open Door Policy implemented

    This was a policy with China, the US, Japan, and multiple European powers. It gave said countries equal access to trade in China. This lasted until the end of the Chinese civil war. It promoted equal opportunity for trade and commerce in China.
  • Boxer Rebellion

    The Boxer Rebellion was a rebellion in response to foreigners' colonization. It began with peasants but soon became supported by the Chinese government. The Boxers intended to remove all foreigners from China with attacks. However, it exposed China's weaknesses and only gave more reasons for other nations to intervene.
  • Anglo-Japanese Treaty/Alliance

    This was a treaty between Britain and Japan. It was made to protect both of their interests within China and Korea. It was direct combat to Russian expansionism. This treaty became the foundation of Britain and Japan's policies for years to come.
  • First Moroccan Crisis

    Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany declares support for the sultan of Morocco. This provoked Britain and France and angered them. This becomes the first Moroccan crisis. It was a warning of the First World War that was yet to come.
  • Belgian Scramble for the Congo

    Belgium annexed the Congo and took hold of its administration. They used the natives as wage labor. They also tried to make them a 'model colony.' An estimated 10 million people were killed in the Congo.
  • Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

    Franz Ferdinand was assassinated to break off Austria-Hungary's South Slav provinces. This was done to combine Yugoslavia. His assassination was part of the Young Bosnia movement. His death sparked a chain of events that would lead to the First World War.