Key Concepts in Modern History: Ideologies and Imperialism

Political Ideologies

The following ideologies shaped modern political and economic systems:

• Liberalism

  • Private property accepted.
  • The bourgeoisie controls the economy and political power.
  • Economic freedom regulated by the market.
  • Class-based society.
  • Individualism based on guaranteed private property.

• Socialism

  • Parliamentary system with a powerful state.
  • Classless society.
  • Economy led by the state.

• Communism

  • Classless society.
  • Economy and means of production controlled by the state.
  • Transition based on revolution.
  • No private ownership.
  • Proletarians control political power.

• Anarchism

  • Disappearance of the state and political parties.
  • Rejection of all types of authority.
  • No private ownership.
  • No property.
  • Self-managed free associations without obligations.

Colonialism and Imperialism

Colonialism is a system in which one country creates an empire by taking over other lands and making them into colonies. Colonies lack self-governance, and the colonizing country extracts resources and wealth from the colony.

Causes of Colonialism

• Increased power and prestige.
• Acquisition of more lands.
• The Industrial Revolution.
• The Transport Revolution.

Consequences of Colonialism

• Cultural assimilation.
• Creation of artificial borders.

Most Powerful Colonial Countries

The Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Great Britain.

The Berlin Conference (1884–1885)

It took place in Berlin in 1885. Otto von Bismarck hosted the Berlin Conference, with representatives from fourteen different countries participating. It was held due to conflicts arising from competing claims to African territory. The conference, often associated with the "Scramble for Africa," divided the continent between European powers, and the future of trade in Africa was discussed. German colonies were established in Cameroon, Togoland, and East and Southwest Africa.

Summary of the Berlin Conference

The Berlin Conference of 1884–85 regulated European colonization and trade in Africa during the New Imperialism period and coincided with Germany's sudden emergence as an imperial power.

Trade Unions

These are organizations formed by workers from related fields that advocate for the common interests of their members. They assist workers with issues such as fairness of pay, maintaining a good working environment, hours of work, and benefits.

Industrialisation

Causes of Industrialisation

• Demographic increase.
• New technology.
• New agricultural techniques.
• Creation of factories.

Consequences of Industrialisation

• Growth of cities.
• Rapid economic development.
• New division of labor.
• Birth of the industrial working class.
• Disappearance of urban artisans.
• Increased differences between countries.
• Disappearance of the domestic system.
• Creation of factories.