#World History: Modern - Imperialism & Revolutions (1750-1900) - Study Guide

Welcome! This guide is designed to help you ace your exam by focusing on the key concepts and connections within the Age of Imperialism and Revolutions. Let's get started!

#🧭 Overview: Imperialism (1750-1900)

Key Concept

Imperialism during this period was driven by economic, political, and social factors, leading to the domination of Africa, Asia, and the Americas by European powers. Remember the 3 G's: Gold, Glory, and God (though 'God' is more about cultural justification than actual religious zeal).

Key Drivers:
- Economic: Desire for raw materials, new markets, and investment opportunities.
- Political: Competition between European powers, strategic military locations, and national pride.
- Social: Belief in European cultural and racial superiority (Social Darwinism), and the desire to spread Christianity.
Impact:
- Africa: Exploitation, forced labor, disruption of traditional societies, loss of resources.
- Asia: Loss of sovereignty, imposition of Western culture, weakening of traditional economies.
- Americas: Displacement of indigenous peoples, forced labor of enslaved Africans, loss of territory.
Global Economy: Imperialism fueled the growth of trade and capitalism, widening the gap between imperial powers and colonized regions.

Exam Tip

Focus on causation. Understand why imperialism happened and what its consequences were. Think in terms of cause-and-effect relationships.

#📈 Standard of Living

Key Concept

The Industrial Revolution dramatically altered standards of living, but not uniformly. It created both progress and hardship.

Industrial Revolution's Impact:
- Positive: Increased productivity, higher wages, cheaper goods, improved availability of goods (primarily in industrialized nations).
- Negative: Poor working conditions, low wages, overcrowded housing, urban poverty (especially for the working class).
Colonial Disparity: Standard of living in colonies was generally lower than in imperial powers due to exploitation and suppression of local economies.

Common Mistake

Don't assume that the Industrial Revolution improved everyone's lives. It created significant inequalities.

#🌍 Expansion Overseas

Key Concept

European powers and the US aggressively expanded their influence through colonization and territorial acquisition.

Motivations:
- Economic: Access to resources, new markets, and trade routes.
- Political: Competition for power, strategic military bases.
- Cultural: Spreading Christianity and European culture.
Consequences:
- Colonization, domination, and exploitation of various regions.
- Suppression of local economies and cultures.
- Imposition of imperial political systems.

#💥 Revolutions and Rebellions

#🇺🇸 American Revolution

Key Concept

The American Revolution was a fight for independence from British rule, fueled by Enlightenment ideals.

Causes: Resistance to British taxation, desire for self-governance, Enlightenment ideals of liberty and democracy.
Outcome: Formation of the United States of America, spread of revolutionary ideals.

#🇫🇷 French Revolution

Key Concept

The French Revolution was a radical social and political upheaval that overthrew the monarchy.

Causes: Social inequality, economic hardship, Enlightenment ideals, weak monarchy.
Outcome: Overthrow of the monarchy, rise of democracy, rise of Napoleon, spread of nationalism, end of feudalism.
Slogan: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity"

#🌎 Spanish and Portuguese in South America

Key Concept

South American colonies fought for independence from Spanish and Portuguese rule.

Causes: Economic hardship, political oppression, desire for self-governance.
Key Figures: Simon Bolivar (Spanish America), Pedro I (Brazil).
Outcome: Formation of new nation-states, reshaping of political and economic systems.

#🇮🇳 South Asia and Sepoy Rebellion

Key Concept

The Sepoy Rebellion was a major uprising against British colonial rule in India.

Causes: Religious tensions, resentment of British policies, cultural clashes, the controversial Enfield rifle cartridges.
Outcome: End of the East India Company's rule, direct British government control (British Raj).

#🇨🇳 Boxer Rebellion in China

Key Concept

The Boxer Rebellion was an anti-foreign, anti-colonial, and anti-Christian movement in China.

Causes: Resentment of foreign influence, desire to expel foreigners from China.
Outcome: Weakening of the Qing dynasty, eventual downfall of the empire.

#🚶 Migration and Discrimination

Key Concept

Migration during this period was driven by various factors, leading to significant social and cultural changes, as well as discrimination.

#➡️ Causes of Migration

Economic Opportunities: Seeking better jobs and wages.
Political Instability: Escaping wars and revolutions.
Overpopulation: Seeking better living conditions.
Persecution: Escaping religious or ethnic persecution.

#🌍 Effects of Migration

New Communities: Formation of ethnic enclaves.
Economic Growth: Development of new industries and economies.
Disease Spread: Impact on public health.
Discrimination: Racism and limited opportunities for migrants.
Cultural Fusion: Development of new cultures.
Displacement: Displacement of native people.
Poverty: Increase in the number of people living in poverty.
Political Changes: Changes in political power structures.

Pay close attention to the causes and effects of both imperialism and the various revolutions. These are prime topics for essay questions.

#🎯 Final Exam Focus

Highest Priority Topics:
- Causes and effects of imperialism.
- Impact of the Industrial Revolution on standards of living.
- Causes and consequences of the American, French, and South American revolutions.
- The Sepoy and Boxer Rebellions.
- Causes and effects of migration and discrimination.
Common Question Types:
- Causation: Analyzing cause-and-effect relationships.
- Comparison: Comparing different revolutions or imperial experiences.
- Continuity and Change: Identifying what changed and what stayed the same during this period.
- Document-Based Questions (DBQs): Analyzing primary source documents.
- Long Essay Questions (LEQs): Writing extended essays on key themes.
Last-Minute Tips:
- Time Management: Pace yourself during the exam. Don't spend too long on any one question.
- Read Carefully: Pay close attention to the wording of each question.
- Plan Your Essays: Outline your arguments before you start writing.
- Use Evidence: Support your claims with specific historical examples.
- Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and trust your preparation.

Quick Fact

Remember the mnemonic "ICE" for analyzing historical events: Identify the event, Cause, and Effect. This will help you structure your answers.

Exam Tip

When analyzing documents, look for POV (Point of View), Purpose, Audience, and Historical Context (HIPP). This will help you understand the document's significance.

Good luck! You've got this! 💪