A-Level International History: Key Concepts & Events 1870-1939

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New Imperialism (c. 1870–1914)

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A period of intense colonial expansion by European powers, the USA, and Japan. Driven by economic motives (raw materials, markets), political strategy (naval bases), and social Darwinism. It shifted global power dynamics and sparked rivalries that contributed to World War I.

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The Scramble for Africa

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The rapid invasion, occupation, and colonization of African territory by European powers between 1881 and 1914. Triggered by King Leopold II of Belgium and formalized by the Berlin Conference (1884-85), which established rules for partition without African consent.

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The Berlin Conference (1884–1885)

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A meeting where European powers regulated colonization of Africa. It recognized the Congo Free State, set rules for effective occupation, and exacerbated tensions by disregarding ethnic boundaries. It symbolized the peak of 'New Imperialism' and failed to prevent future conflicts.

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Japan’s Meiji Modernisation

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Rapid industrial and military reform during the Meiji Restoration (1868–1912). Japan adopted Western technology and systems to revise unequal treaties. This modernization allowed it to defeat China (1895) and Russia (1905), emerging as the first non-Western world power.

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Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902)

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A diplomatic pact marking the end of Britain's 'splendid isolation'. It was primarily aimed at checking Russian expansion in East Asia. This alliance legitimized Japan's status as a great power and influenced Japan's entry into World War I on the Allied side.