Chapter 31 and 32 - Neo-Imperialism Flashcards
Why was the Ottoman Empire in decline?
Their military was inferior to Europe and Russia in strategy, tactics, weapons, and training. The Janissary Corps were also in decline, especially regarding discipline. Additionally, the Ottoman Empire was suffering many territorial losses, keeping only Anatolia (Turkey) and Iraq. They lost Caucasus (Central Asia) to the Russians and territory on their western front to the Austrians. The Balkans took Greece and Serbia
Why was Egypt the Ottoman Empire’s worst territorial loss?
Egypt was their worst loss due to the country’s internal wealth.
What did Muhammad Ali (not the boxer) do for Egypt?
Muhammad Ali is considered the father of modern Egypt. He introduced reforms such as the implementation of irrigation. Egypt was now nearly independent but economic issues, such as the lack of industrialization, still persisted.
What is the Suez Canal?
The Suez Canal is over 100 miles long and connects the Mediterranean and Red Sea. It reduced the travel distance from India to Europe. (specifically, Britain) The canal was built by Frenchmen, but Ottomans were low on capital so they bought loans from Europe. The British bought shares of the canal to gain control.
What is the Crimean War?
The Crimean War is a conflict that started when France and Britain grew fearful of Russia gaining too much land. Russia ultimately loses due to their outdated army. At the time, the west had the technological advantage and possessed percussion rifles, better artillery, and iron-clad warships.
What are Kossacks?
Kossacks are an elite Russian fighting force. Initially, they were typically cavalry but later shifted to infantry.
Who is Florence Nightingale?
Florence Nightingale is considered the mother of modern nursing. The Crimean War was the first war to be photographed. She utilized these photos to better understand the soldier’s wounds and they ultimately helped her greatly as a nurse.
What happened in the Battle of Balaclava?
The Battle of Balaclava, the most famous battle in the Crimean War, was the inspiration for Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem “Charge of the Light Brigade”. In reality, the Charge of the Light Brigade was a British attempt to charge fortified artillery with light cavalry. It was unsuccessful and is considered the beginning of the end for cavalry in warfare.
Who is Alexander II?
Alexander II gained the Russian throne during the Crimean War. The war resulted in Russia’s defeat and thus a widespread popular uprising. Alexander II agreed to reform. He provided emancipation (freedom) for serfs. The free serfs now had no money to buy land. Alexander II allotted land to them but it was too small so they moved to the city, where they couldn’t find a job.
How and why was Alexander II assassinated?
At the time, serfs hated him because he didn’t give them enough land. Simultaneously, the lords hated him because he freed their serfs. Additionally, radical socialists especially hated him. In 1881, an assassin threw a bomb at Alexander’s carriage. It survives because it was bullet-proof and given to him by Napoleon III but 1 Kossack and the driver dies. Alexander gets out to examine the bodies and second assassin throws a second bomb, killing Alexander. During the 2nd assassin’s trial, he claimed that there is a 3rd assassin.
How did the crown respond to Alexander II’s assassination?
Alexander III, son and successor to Alexander II, created a secret police that enforced strict censorship and exiled critics. He also made Russian the official language and the Russian Orthodox Church as the official religion to promote Nationalism.
Why were Jews persecuted in Russia?
There was a large population of Jews in Russia at the time. They were persecuted because there was already plenty of antisemitism and because it served as a scapegoat to promote Nationalism.
What happened in the Russo-Japanese War?
Russia initiated a war with Japan in attempt to unify the Russian people. Japan was industrialized and thus won the war.
What happened on Bloody Sunday? When did it happen?
Bloody Sunday was the result of Russia’s loss in the
Russo-Japanese war. At the time, many people were upset with all the military disasters. In 1905, protestors marched towards the Winter Palace while singing hymns and praying. Shots were fired by the guards and there were 100s of casualties. Any support that the monarch had was now gone.
What happened in the Russian Revolution of 1905?
There were strikes across Russia and the peasants were revolting. Terrorists were even targeting officials. As a result, Tsar Nicholas II agreed to freedoms in his October Manifest. Unfortunately, he changed his mind and then removed the Duma, a legislative assembly. These actions were followed by arrests, persecutions, executions, etc.
