HIS 102 McNutt Spring 2022 Exam 2 Revised Flashcards
Who wrote On the Origin of Species and The Descent of Man
Charles Darwin
What was the main idea Charles Darwin wrote about?
Species evolve from more primitive species through the process of natural selection in nature.
Why was Darwin so controversial?
His ideas were different from the established patterns of thought and religious beliefs.
What was Social Darwinism?
It applied the ideas of Darwin to people and society. It was a ruthless interpretation of “survival of the fittest” ideas. It saw existence as a struggle.
Who was Thomas Henry Huxley?
He was a 19th century biologist who was a strong defender of Darwin’s theories.
Who was Herbert Spencer?
He said people must be strong to survive. He came up with the phrase the “survival of the fittest”.
What was eugenics?
It was an attempt to control the improvement of the species, manipulate nature, build a better human being.
Who was Arthur de Gobineau?
He wrote Essay on the Inequality of the Races (1853). He said the European white race is superior.
He coined the term Aryan.
How was the new “science” of racial distinctions used?
It was used to promote the idea that the Semitic race (Jews) were racially inferior as opposed to the Aryan race.
How was Houston Stewart Chamberlain?
Wrote Foundations of the Nineteenth Century (1889). Pushed the racial pseudo science of Teutonic (German) superiority and Jewish inferiority. Pushed for elimination of Judaism.
Who is the person who led the Unification of Germany?
Otto von Bismarck
What was Bismarck’s policy?
Iron and blood
With what wars did Bismarck claim the territory he wanted for the new unified Germany?
Denmark 1864/Austria 1866/France 1870
What was proclaimed on January 18, 1871?
German Empire
What do we mean by “spheres of influence”?
The carving of the globe into territories controlled by the European powers under Imperialism.
What were some of the reasons European countries wanted colonies?
- colonies supplied cheap labor and raw materials
- colonies were markets for European goods made by the Industrial Revolution
- Europeans felt it was their duty to bring civilization to backward people–western influence would be a benefit to them
- competition with other countries for resources led to national rivalries
Who was Cecil Rhodes?
He was a wealthy British imperialist who thought the British were superior and should control more territory. He was especially important in Southern Africa. (important in the “scramble for Africa”)
What do we mean by the “Scramble for Africa”?
In the late 19th century, European powers sought to grab land in Africa to get a competitive edge over the others.
Who was Lord Lugard?
He wrote an important speech where he said it was a vital necessity for civilized nations to secure remaining areas in Africa. He said we have to provide for our growing populations. But we should not deprive Africans of their rights. His speech was important in justifying the “scramble for Africa”.
What was the purpose of the Berlin Conference?
to establish international guidelines for the acquisition of African territory
Who organized the Berlin Conference?
Otto von Bismarck
Who was Leopold?
King of Belgium–he wanted the Berlin Conference to make sure African colonies were being divided up fairly in the Scramble for Africa
How many African nations were invited to the Berlin Conference?
0=zero
What were the dates for World War I (years)?
1914-1918 (The US did not join until 1917)
How many lives were lost in WWI?
8.5-9 million
