Global History Key Concepts: Nationalism, Imperialism, and WWI Foundations

Essential Historical and Political Definitions

This section provides crucial definitions related to global history, politics, and economics:

• Disparity: Lack of similarity or equality.
• Locomotive: A self-propelled, vehicular engine.
• Regionalism: Government systems based on specific regions.
• Centralized State: Government systems administered through a central governing body.
• Liberal: Supporting individual freedom and rights.
• Conservative: Supporting traditional values and institutions.
• Zaibatsus: Large monopolies dominating industries, particularly in pre-WWII Japan.
• Barrage: A concentrated bombardment or outpouring.
• Mercantile: Relating to trade and commerce.
• Mutiny: Open rebellion against authorities.
• Concessions: Rights or privileges granted in response to a demand.
• Informal Empire: The influence exerted by powerful nations over weaker ones without direct political control.
• Whetted: Sharpened (a blade or appetite).
• Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through political and economic control over foreign territories.
• Sphere of Influence: An area where the interests of one nation significantly influence or control another nation.
• Hegemony: Indirect political or economic influence exerted by a dominant power.
• Capital: Tools, machines, and buildings used in production.

Key Doctrines and Political Structures

• Monroe Doctrine: U.S. policy preventing European colonization in Latin America (LA).
• Roosevelt Corollary: U.S. policy asserting the right to intervene to protect Latin American stability.
• Protectorate (Definition 1): A state controlled and protected by another.
• Protectorate (Definition 2): A relationship where a strong nation serves and protects a weaker one, while the weaker nation retains some autonomy in decision-making.
• Fortified: Provided with defensive works or strengthened.
• Inception: The establishment or beginning of an institution.
• Abdicate: To renounce the throne or high office.
• Armistice: A truce or cessation of hostilities.
• Disillusionment: The realization that something is not as good as previously believed.

World War I Alliances

• Triple Alliance: Germany (G), Italy (I), Austria-Hungary (AH).
• Triple Entente: Britain (B), France (F), Russia (R).
• Central Powers: Ottoman Empire (O), Germany (G), Austria-Hungary (AH).
• Allied Powers: Britain (B), France (F), Russia (R).

19th Century Nationalism and State Formation

Late 18th Century Trends: Increased ability to travel and the spread of print media led to regionalism transitioning into a centralized state structure.

The Unification of Italy and Germany

• Italian Revolts: Italy revolted against Austria-Hungary (AH).
• Giuseppe Mazzini: Advocated for a democratic society, though early unification efforts failed.
• Victor Emmanuel II: King of Sardinia and the first King of Italy, alongside Prime Minister Count di Cavour, drove unification.
• Giuseppe Garibaldi: Conquered Naples and Sicily, contributing significantly to unification.
• Otto von Bismarck: Prussian Prime Minister and a conservative leader. He successfully led Prussia into the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871), completing German unification.

Imperialism and Global Power Shifts

Late 19th Century Imperialism: The ability to dominate other lands increased national status and prestige, fostering stronger national superiority and unity.

Asian Responses to Western Influence

• Meiji Japan: American Commodore Matthew Perry demonstrated Japan's military weakness.
• Meiji Restoration: Power was returned to the Emperor, and Japan rapidly adopted Western technology and institutions.
• Chinese Decline: Foreign threats led to internal clashes, resulting in the decline of the Qing Dynasty.
• Taiping Rebellion: Highlighted the government's inability to restrain foreign influence.
• Boxer Rebellion: (Righteous Harmony Fists) A movement aimed at expelling foreigners from China.

Key Imperial Conflicts and Outcomes

• India's Great Rebellion (1857): A major attempt to break free from British oppression.
• Japan's Victory in the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905): Resulted in control over Korea and hegemony in Manchuria.
• American Victory in the Spanish-American War (1898): Led to the acquisition of the Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico, and influence over Cuba.
• Boers/Afrikaners: Early Dutch settlers of the Cape of Good Hope, eventually defeated and displaced by the British.
• Berlin West Africa Conference (1884–1885): Established rules for free trade and the partition of Africa among European powers.

Allegorical References in Animal Farm

These references connect characters and concepts from George Orwell's Animal Farm (AF) to historical figures and events of the Russian Revolution and Soviet era:

• Old Major (OM): Karl Marx / Vladimir Lenin
• Napoleon (Nap): Joseph Stalin
• Snowball (Sbll): Leon Trotsky
• Squealer (Sqlr): Propaganda (e.g., Soviet media)
• Mr. Jones: Tsar Nicholas II
• Boxer: The loyal, hardworking proletariat and Stalin supporters.
• Mollie: The Russian aristocracy or bourgeoisie who fled the revolution.
• "Beasts of England" (BoE): "The Internationale" (TI)
• The Dogs: NKVD (later KGB) – the secret police.
• Benjamin (Benj): Skeptical intellectuals or critics of political and social change.