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Period: to
Unit 1 Timeline
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Belgian Scramble for the Congo
Belgium wanted to prove itself since it recently became independent in 1830. King Leopold was determined to enhance his country's wealth by taking the Congo. He saw major opportunities for resources in the Congo with its large amounts of rubber and exploited them.
This is significant because it led to the establishment of the Congo Free State and displayed the cruel and harsh motives of Belgian imperialism -
The Berlin Conference
It was a meeting where representatives of 13 European nations met in Berlin to prevent war between imperial nations. As a result, European nations would have to inform other nations their occupied claims. It was determined that any dispute over African territory be settled by negotiation instead of war.
This conference fueled the scramble for Africa even more and attempted to resolve disputes over territory. -
Discovery of Gold in the Transvaal
Gold was discovered on a Transvaal farm by two prospectors. It brought a wave of new settlers with most of them being British. The new settlers were denied economic rights by the Transvaal President.
The discovery of gold led to a series of events that would change the relationship between the Boers and British and lead to war. -
First Sino-Japanese War
After modernizing Japan sought its own overseas possessions and saw China as the ideal place to expand into. Disputes between China and Japan led to the First Sino-Japanese War. The Chinese troops were outmatched by the Japanese troops and gave up Korea, Formosa and Port Arthur to Japan at Shimonoseki.
This event was significant because after being humiliated by the Triple Intervention after the First Sino-Japanese War Japan built more warships and plotted to get revenge on the Russians -
Fashoda Incident
It was a dispute over the control of Sudan. The French sought to eastward and Britain expanded southward. Britain was determined to keep their control over Egypt and Sudan and led to a crisis.
This event is significant because it shows the growing tension between imperial powers and their claims for territory, it was resolved without war with each nation recognizing their claims in East Africa -
Boxer Rebellion
Chinese nationalists were angered by the government's failure to prevent foreigners from gaining influence in China. The Chinese government supported the rebellion and waged war on the foreign powers. They were defeated by an eight-nation alliance with Britain, Russia, Japan, France, the US, Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary.
This event is significant because it a rivalry between the nations as they tried to enhance their interests in China. -
Anglo-Japanese Alliance
The British and Japanese adopted a common approach to the problem Russia made in the Far East. It called for Japan and Britain to be neutral if either of them was in war with another country. As a result, Japan's rights in Korea were preserved and recognized by Britain.
This event was significant because it was the first time Japan was recognized as an equal by a major European power. -
Entente Cordiale
Germany's aggressive imperial approach was of great concern to France and Britain. This agreement settled long-standing imperial rivalries between the two in North Africa. As a result, Britain recognized French claims in Morocco.
This event is significant because it settled tensions between Britain and France as they had a common enemy, and that their relationship was a threat to Germany. -
First Moroccan Crisis
Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II gave a speech in the Moroccan city, Tangiers making it clear that Germany favored an independent Morocco. Britain continued supporting French claim over Morocco which was upheld at a conference in Algeciras. This issue was resolved by the Algeciras Conference which affirmed French control.
This event is significant because it worsened Germany's relations with France and Britain but also helped enhance the Anglo-French Entente. -
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand arrived in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. There, 7 Serbian terrorists waited to kill him hoping that tensions would heighten between Vienna and its South Slavic subjects. As a result, it caused a domino effect starting with Austria blaming Serbia for Ferdinand's death.
This event is significant because it was one of the main leading causes of the First World War.