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German Unification
German unification refers to France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian war and the creation of the German empire. This defeat was humiliating for France and would sour the relationship between Germany and France for centuries to come. -
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Berlin West Africa Conference
The conference was designed to set rules for all of the colonial powers partaking in the Scramble for Africa. It was aimed at preventing conflict between all of the powers present and recognizing colonial claims at that time. -
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First Sino-Japanese War
A conflict between China and Japan over Japan wanting to have dominance over Korea. China was brutally defeated due to their outdated military and Japan's advanced military in light of the Meiji Restoration (1868-1889). Japan's victory marked their rise as a regional power in the Far East, -
Fashoda Crisis
French and British troops met in a near war confrontation over the Upper Nile in the Sudan. While the French and British did end up meeting on friendly terms, the incident would prove damaging in the relationship between France and Britain. -
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The Boxer Rebellion
Chinese nationalists rebelled in response to the increase of foreign occupation in China. They were mostly hostile to Christian missionaries, which showed that Europe's "White Man's Burden" was not a welcome idea to them. The European powers eventually got the rebellion under control and China had to pay a hefty amount of money. -
Anglo-Japanese Alliance
A formal agreement between Britain and Japan guaranteeing mutual support for each other in a time of war. This was the first time an Asian country was formally recognized by a European power as an equal, and is arguably Japan's rise to becoming a world power. -
Entente Cordiale
A series of colonial agreements between Britain and France to respect each other's colonial territories. This greatly improved relations between Britain and France, especially due to previous incidents like the Fashoda crisis. -
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The Russo-Japanese War
A conflict between Russia and Japan over their conflicting interests between Manchuria and Korea. It marked the first time a seemingly weak Asian country defeated a European power in a war. This humiliated Russia and this event can also arguably be the event that allowed Japan to become a world power. -
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
Serbian nationalists assassinated Franz Ferdinand. This was the spark that ignited the 4-year war known as WWI as Serbian and Austrian allies declared war against each other. -
End of the First World War.
WWI ends with the central powers consisting of Germany, the Ottoman empire, and Austria-Hungary being defeated. The Paris Peace Settlement that stemmed from this war would be a catalyst for many future conflicts, including WWII.