Background Flashcards
Name 3 countries that had empires
Britain France Russia Germany Italy Japan Austria-Hungary
What is imperialism?
When powerful countries conquer, control, colonise or exploit weaker countries
Why did imperialism cause conflict?
Big empires fought over who had what land
Smaller empires wanted to catch up
What is nationalism?
The desire for freedom and the right to set up your own independent country
How did nationalism lead to conflict?
Violence - willing to use violence to get what they wanted
Patriotism - the belief that your own country is superior
Racism
Freedom - countries gaining independence lead to other empires competing
What is militarism?
The belief that the only was to control and defend an empire is by force
How did militarism lead to conflict?
Many Europeans were militaristic empires
This increased standing army sizes and navies
Countries felt they had to compete with their neighbours
What was britains policy in the 19th century?
Splendid isolation
What was splendid isolation?
Britain felt it was strong enough by itself
No alliance in Europe
No part in foreign affairs
What alliance broke splendid isolation?
Anglo-Japanese alliance
When was the Anglo-Japanese alliance?
1902
What was the Anglo-Japanese alliance?
Give each other aid if attacked by more than one power
Stopped Russian expansion
GB didn’t want European allies
What were alliances in Europe like before 1900?
GB and Ger were friends (Royal relations)
Fr. and Ger bad enemies (1871)
GB and Fr. bad (history of war)
