TASK 1: SUMMARIZING SIGNIFICANT EVENTS RELATED to IMPERIALISM

Question

In this task, you’ll choose and write a brief description of five significant events, from the list below, that occurred during the age of imperialism. You may revisit information from the lessons and do some brief outside research to complete the table. Limit each definition to 1–3 sentences.
Event
Description of Event
Sepoy Rebellion

Berlin Conference

Great Britain takes control of the Suez Canal

British Raj established in India

First Opium War

Treaty of Nanjing

Sino–Japanese War

Boxer Rebellion

Meiji Restoration

Russo–Japanese War

Answer 1

Here are brief descriptions of five significant events related to imperialism:

Sepoy Rebellion

The Sepoy Rebellion, also known as the Indian Mutiny of 1857, was a major uprising against British rule in India. It was sparked by various grievances, including the introduction of new rifle cartridges believed to be greased with animal fat, which offended both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. The rebellion marked a turning point, leading to the dissolution of the British East India Company and the establishment of direct British governance in India.

Berlin Conference

The Berlin Conference, held from 1884 to 1885, was a meeting of European powers to establish rules for the partitioning of Africa. It aimed to regulate European colonization and trade in Africa, resulting in the formal recognition of colonial claims and the establishment of borders, often disregarding the existing ethnic and cultural divisions. The conference significantly intensified the Scramble for Africa and facilitated the exploitation of the continent's resources.

First Opium War

The First Opium War (1839-1842) was a conflict between Britain and China primarily over trade disputes, particularly concerning the illegal opium trade. Britain sought to protect its opium exports after China attempted to suppress the trade, leading to military confrontations. The war ended with the Treaty of Nanjing, which ceded Hong Kong to Britain and opened several Chinese ports to British trade.

Treaty of Nanjing

The Treaty of Nanjing, signed in 1842, concluded the First Opium War and was the first of the "Unequal Treaties" imposed on China by Western powers. In addition to ceding Hong Kong to Britain, the treaty imposed reparations and opened up five ports to British trade, significantly shifting the balance of power in favor of the British and marking the start of a century of foreign intervention in China.

Boxer Rebellion

The Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901) was a nationalist uprising in China aimed at expelling foreign influence and stopping the spread of Christianity. Led by the "Boxers," a secret society, the movement resulted in violent attacks against foreigners and Chinese Christians. The rebellion was suppressed by an eight-nation alliance, leading to further foreign intervention in China and the imposition of heavy indemnities.