APUSH: Period 5, 1844-1877 - Contextualizing Period 5

Why This Matters

Period 5 of the AP European History course covers the Industrialization and Imperialism (1750-1900). This period is significant because it marks a major shift in the global economy, politics, and society. The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain, transformed the way goods were produced and consumed, leading to the growth of capitalism and the emergence of new social classes. This period also saw the rise of European imperialism, as European powers competed for colonies and resources around the world. Understanding this period is crucial for understanding the AP theme of Globalization and Its Consequences, as it highlights the interconnectedness of the world economy and the impact of imperialism on non-European societies.

Key Events & People

• Industrial Revolution (1760s-1840s): A period of significant technological and economic change in Britain, marked by the development of new machines and factories.
• Adam Smith (1723-1790): Scottish philosopher and economist who wrote "The Wealth of Nations," which advocated for laissez-faire capitalism and the "invisible hand" of the market.
• Robert Owen (1771-1858): Welsh textile manufacturer who advocated for social reform and the improvement of working conditions for factory workers.
• The Opium Wars (1839-1842, 1856-1860): A series of conflicts between China and European powers, including Britain, that led to the opening of Chinese ports to European trade and the imposition of unequal treaties.
• The Scramble for Africa (1881-1914): A period of intense European competition for colonies and resources in Africa, which led to the division of the continent among European powers.
• Karl Marx (1818-1883): German philosopher and economist who wrote "Das Kapital," which critiqued capitalism and advocated for the overthrow of the bourgeoisie.
• The Congress of Berlin (1878): A conference of European powers that redrew the map of the Balkans and led to the rise of nationalist movements in the region.
• The Berlin Conference (1884-1885): A conference of European powers that established the principles of European colonization in Africa.
• The Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901): A Chinese uprising against foreign influence and imperialism, which was ultimately put down by an international coalition of troops.
• The Dreyfus Affair (1894-1906): A scandal in France that highlighted anti-Semitism and the tensions between the military and civilian authorities.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The Industrial Revolution created new social classes and economic inequalities in Europe.
• Effect: The rise of socialism and communism as responses to these inequalities.

• Long-term consequence: The eventual overthrow of monarchies and the establishment of democratic governments in many European countries.

• Cause: European powers competed for colonies and resources in Africa.

• Effect: The Scramble for Africa and the division of the continent among European powers.

• Long-term consequence: The legacy of colonialism and the ongoing impact of European imperialism on African societies.

• Cause: The Opium Wars led to the opening of Chinese ports to European trade.

• Effect: The imposition of unequal treaties and the exploitation of Chinese resources by European powers.
• Long-term consequence: The decline of the Qing dynasty and the eventual fall of China to foreign powers.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Laissez-faire capitalism*: An economic system in which the government does not intervene in the market, and businesses are free to operate as they see fit.
  • Example: Adam Smith's advocacy for laissez-faire capitalism in "The Wealth of Nations."
• *Imperialism*: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or other means.
  • Example: The Scramble for Africa and the division of the continent among European powers.
• *Socialism*: An economic system in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the community as a whole.
  • Example: Karl Marx's advocacy for socialism in "Das Kapital."
• *Nationalism*: A political ideology that emphasizes the importance of national identity and the interests of one's own nation.
  • Example: The rise of nationalist movements in the Balkans during the Congress of Berlin.
• *Colonialism*: The policy of establishing colonies in a foreign country, often with the goal of exploiting its resources.
  • Example: The Berlin Conference and the establishment of European colonization in Africa.
• *Unequal treaties*: Treaties between European powers and non-European societies that imposed unequal terms and conditions.
  • Example: The Opium Wars and the imposition of unequal treaties on China.
• *Capitalism*: An economic system in which private individuals and businesses own and operate the means of production.
  • Example: The growth of capitalism during the Industrial Revolution.
• *Bourgeoisie*: The class of people who own and operate the means of production in a capitalist society.
  • Example: Karl Marx's critique of the bourgeoisie in "Das Kapital."
• *Proletariat*: The class of people who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.
  • Example: Karl Marx's advocacy for the proletariat in "Das Kapital."
• *Globalization*: The process of increasing economic and cultural interconnectedness among countries and societies around the world.
  • Example: The growth of international trade and the emergence of global supply chains during the Industrial Revolution.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century and was led by British inventors and entrepreneurs.
• Correction: The Industrial Revolution began in the 1760s and was led by British inventors and entrepreneurs, but it was also influenced by the work of scientists and philosophers such as Isaac Newton and Adam Smith.
• What students often get wrong: The Scramble for Africa was a peaceful process in which European powers competed for colonies and resources.
• Correction: The Scramble for Africa was a violent and competitive process in which European powers used military force to establish colonies and exploit African resources.
• What students often get wrong: Karl Marx was a British philosopher and economist who advocated for socialism and communism.
• Correction: Karl Marx was a German philosopher and economist who advocated for socialism and communism, and was influenced by the work of French philosophers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the impact of the Industrial Revolution on European society and economy. Be sure to include specific examples and evidence from the period.
  • Possible evidence: The growth of urban centers, the emergence of new social classes, the development of new technologies and machines.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the role of imperialism in shaping the modern world. Be sure to include specific examples and evidence from the period.
  • Possible evidence: The Scramble for Africa, the Opium Wars, the Berlin Conference.
• Possible essay prompt: Compare and contrast the ideas of Adam Smith and Karl Marx on the nature of capitalism and the role of government in the economy.
  • Possible evidence: Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations," Karl Marx's "Das Kapital."

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main cause of the Industrial Revolution?
   • Correct answer: The development of new machines and technologies.
   • Explanation: The Industrial Revolution was driven by the development of new machines and technologies, such as the steam engine and the spinning jenny.
2. Which European power was most responsible for the Scramble for Africa?
   • Correct answer: Britain.
   • Explanation: Britain was the dominant European power during the Scramble for Africa, and was responsible for the division of the continent among European powers.
3. What was the main idea of Karl Marx's "Das Kapital"?
   • Correct answer: The critique of capitalism and the advocacy for socialism and communism.
   • Explanation: Marx's "Das Kapital" was a critique of capitalism and an advocacy for socialism and communism, in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the community as a whole.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The Industrial Revolution began in the 1760s and was led by British inventors and entrepreneurs.
• The Opium Wars were a series of conflicts between China and European powers, including Britain, that led to the opening of Chinese ports to European trade.
• The Scramble for Africa was a violent and competitive process in which European powers used military force to establish colonies and exploit African resources.
• Karl Marx was a German philosopher and economist who advocated for socialism and communism.
• The Berlin Conference established the principles of European colonization in Africa.
• The Boxer Rebellion was a Chinese uprising against foreign influence and imperialism.
• The Dreyfus Affair was a scandal in France that highlighted anti-Semitism and the tensions between the military and civilian authorities.
• The Congress of Berlin redrew the map of the Balkans and led to the rise of nationalist movements in the region.
• The growth of capitalism during the Industrial Revolution led to the emergence of new social classes and economic inequalities.
• The unequal treaties imposed on China by European powers led to the decline of the Qing dynasty and the eventual fall of China to foreign powers.