Chapter 12: Imperialism In China, Japan, Latin America, Mexico

Benito Juárez was a liberal reformer who aimed to bring about significant changes in Mexico. He played a crucial role in Mexican history as the country's first indigenous president. Juárez implemented various reforms, including the separation of church and state, the redistribution of land, and the establishment of a more democratic government. He sought to modernize Mexico and promote equality and social justice. His efforts and reforms had a lasting impact on the country, making him a significant figure in Mexican history.

Peasants are often hungry due to their lower socio-economic status and lack of access to resources. This hunger can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction with the existing social and political systems, making them more likely to participate in revolutionary movements. Peasants have historically played a significant role in revolutions around the world, as they have a strong motivation to fight for their rights and improve their living conditions.

Porfirio Díaz was a Mexican leader because he was a prominent figure in Mexican history. He served as the President of Mexico for multiple terms, from 1876 to 1880 and then from 1884 to 1911. Díaz is known for his authoritarian rule and his efforts to modernize Mexico. He implemented policies that favored the wealthy elite and foreign investors, leading to social and economic inequality in the country. Díaz's leadership had a significant impact on Mexican politics and society during his time in power.

The Open Door Policy proposed that all nations have equal opportunities to trade in China. This policy was introduced by the United States in the late 19th century as a way to ensure that China remained open to trade with all countries, rather than being dominated by a single power or divided into exclusive spheres of influence. It aimed to protect American commercial interests in China and promote free trade principles. The policy was significant in shaping China's relationship with foreign powers and had a lasting impact on international trade in the region.

The Boxer Rebellion is the correct answer because it was a violent uprising in China from 1899 to 1901, during which Chinese people fought against the rule of the Dowager Empress Cixi and foreign privilege. The rebellion was a response to the increasing influence and control of foreign powers in China, and the Chinese fighters, known as Boxers, aimed to expel foreign forces and restore traditional Chinese rule. The rebellion ultimately failed, but it highlighted the growing anti-foreign sentiment in China and contributed to the downfall of the Qing dynasty.

Opium is a highly addictive narcotic drug derived from the opium poppy plant. It is known for its pain-relieving and sedative properties. Opium has been used for centuries for its psychoactive effects, often consumed by smoking or ingestion. It can lead to physical and psychological dependence, causing severe health issues and social problems. The correct answer, "A highly addictive narcotic drug," accurately describes opium's nature and its significance in the field of medicine and substance abuse.

The Opium War was fought between Great Britain and China in 1839. The conflict arose due to Britain's illegal opium trade with China, which the Chinese government tried to suppress. This led to a series of military engagements between the two countries, ultimately resulting in China's defeat and the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842. This treaty forced China to open its ports to British trade and cede Hong Kong to Britain.

By around 1900, Japan had become an Imperialist country by taking over Korea and parts of China. This expansionist policy was driven by Japan's desire to acquire more resources, establish dominance in the region, and assert its power on the global stage. Japan's annexation of Korea in 1910 and its subsequent invasion of parts of China, such as Manchuria in 1931, marked significant milestones in its imperialist ambitions. These actions ultimately led to Japan's involvement in World War II and its eventual defeat.

Prior to its independence, Texas was a part of Mexico. This is because Texas was originally a part of the Mexican territory known as Coahuila y Tejas. It became a part of Mexico when Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821. However, Texas later declared its independence from Mexico in 1836 and eventually became an independent republic before joining the United States in 1845.

A sphere of influence refers to a region where a foreign nation has significant control over trade and investment. In this context, it means that the foreign nation has the power to influence economic activities and policies within that region. This control can be exerted through various means such as political alliances, economic agreements, or military presence. The concept of a sphere of influence often arises in international relations and can have significant implications for the balance of power between nations.

The Opium War and the Boxer Rebellion were both significant events that took place in China. The Opium War occurred in the mid-19th century and was fought between China and Britain over trade and political issues. The Boxer Rebellion, on the other hand, happened at the turn of the 20th century and was a violent anti-foreign and anti-Christian movement in China. Both events had a major impact on China's relationship with the outside world and its internal dynamics.

The rapid increase in crop yields can cause the population of humans to rapidly increase. When there is a significant improvement in agricultural practices and technologies, such as the development of high-yield crop varieties and advanced farming techniques, it leads to an abundance of food production. This increased food supply can support a larger population, leading to population growth. As people have access to more food, they can better sustain themselves and their families, resulting in higher birth rates and longer life expectancy, ultimately contributing to the overall increase in the human population.

The Monroe Doctrine was intended to reduce the threat of European interference in the affairs of the new Latin American republics. This policy, announced by President James Monroe in 1823, stated that any attempt by European powers to colonize or interfere with the newly independent nations in the Americas would be considered a hostile act towards the United States. The doctrine aimed to establish the United States as the dominant power in the Western Hemisphere and protect the sovereignty of the Latin American countries from European influence.

Britain sold opium to China to improve the balance of trade between the two countries. Opium was a highly addictive drug, and Britain saw an opportunity to exploit the Chinese market by flooding it with opium. This resulted in a significant increase in British exports and helped to address the trade imbalance between the two nations. The sale of opium not only generated profits for Britain but also weakened the Chinese economy and society, leading to social and political instability in China.

The Taiping Rebellion caused about 20 million deaths in a 14-year period in China. This rebellion was a massive civil war that took place from 1850 to 1864, led by Hong Xiuquan, who claimed to be the younger brother of Jesus Christ. The rebellion aimed to establish a utopian society based on radical social and religious reforms. However, it resulted in widespread violence, famine, and disease, leading to the loss of millions of lives. The rebellion was eventually suppressed by the Qing Dynasty with the help of foreign powers.

Hong Xiuquan, leader of the Taiping Rebellion, believed his older brother was Jesus Christ. This belief stemmed from Hong's experiences of a series of visions and dreams in which he believed he was chosen by God to establish a heavenly kingdom on earth. In these visions, Hong's brother appeared to him as Jesus Christ, further reinforcing his belief. This belief in his brother's divine identity played a significant role in shaping Hong's religious and political ideology, as well as his leadership during the Taiping Rebellion.

In the mid-1800s, military dictators known as caudillos came to rule much of Latin America. Caudillos were strongmen who gained power through military force and often ruled with authoritarian control. They emerged in the aftermath of independence movements in Latin America and sought to consolidate their power and maintain stability in the region. These caudillos often ruled through personalistic regimes, where their authority was based on their own charisma and ability to maintain control over the military. Their rule was characterized by centralized power, limited political freedoms, and a focus on maintaining order and stability.

In the 1820s, thousands of English-speaking settlers migrated to Texas. These settlers were commonly referred to as "Anglos".

Emiliano Zapata was a revolutionary leader from Southern Mexico. He played a significant role in the Mexican Revolution, fighting for the rights of peasants and advocating for land reform. Zapata's leadership and influence were primarily centered in the state of Morelos, located in southern Mexico. His commitment to social justice and agrarian reform made him a revered figure among the Mexican people, particularly in the southern regions of the country.

Santa Anna played a significant role in Mexico's fight for independence from Spain and later served as the country's president. However, his career took a downturn during the Mexican-American War, where he lost a significant amount of territory to the United States. This answer accurately summarizes Santa Anna's career by highlighting his contributions to Mexico's independence and presidency, while also acknowledging the loss of territory during the Mexican-American War.

The Suez Canal and the Panama Canal both made more direct voyages possible. The construction of these canals provided shorter routes for ships, allowing them to bypass longer and more dangerous routes around continents. This not only reduced travel time but also increased trade and transportation efficiency.

During the Russo-Japanese War, two great powers, Russia and Japan, fought over Korea. This conflict took place from 1904 to 1905 and was primarily fought over territorial control and influence in the region. The war ended with the Treaty of Portsmouth, which granted Japan control over Korea and established its dominance in East Asia.

Benito Juárez is remembered for instituting La Reforma while he was president of Mexico. La Reforma was a series of liberal reforms aimed at modernizing and liberalizing Mexican society. Juárez implemented measures such as separating church and state, nationalizing church lands, and establishing civil marriage. These reforms also aimed to empower the indigenous population and promote equality. Juárez's efforts during his presidency had a significant impact on Mexican society and politics, making him a prominent figure in Mexican history.

The visit of Commodore Perry had the effect of Japan and the United States signing the Treaty of Kanagawa, which allowed trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries, including the establishment of an embassy. This marked a significant shift in Japan's foreign policy, as it ended its policy of isolationism and opened its ports to Western traders.

The Meiji era in Japan covered the period from 1867 to 1912. This era marked the restoration of imperial rule in Japan and brought about significant modernization and westernization efforts in the country. During this time, Japan underwent rapid industrialization, political reforms, and social changes, transforming it from a feudal society into a modern nation-state. The Meiji era is considered a crucial period in Japan's history as it laid the foundation for its emergence as a major world power in the 20th century.

After the Mexican-American War, the United States gained California, Arizona, and New Mexico as a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signed in 1848. This treaty ended the war and Mexico ceded these territories to the United States.

The Roosevelt Corollary gave the United States the right to be "a police power" in the Americas. This policy, introduced by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, stated that the United States had the authority to intervene in the affairs of Latin American countries to maintain stability and protect its own interests. It was an extension of the Monroe Doctrine, which aimed to prevent European colonization in the Americas. The Roosevelt Corollary justified American intervention in countries like Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua, and had a significant impact on US foreign policy in the region.

In 1862, Austria's Archduke Maximilian and two thousand French soldiers invaded Mexico. This invasion was part of a larger plan by France to establish a French-backed monarchy in Mexico. Maximilian was installed as the Emperor of Mexico, but the invasion ultimately failed and Maximilian was executed in 1867. This invasion is considered strange because it involved a European power attempting to establish control over a country in the Americas, which was uncommon during this time period.

The purpose of the Monroe Doctrine was to discourage European nations from establishing colonies in Latin America. This policy was established by President James Monroe in 1823 and it aimed to assert the United States' position as the dominant power in the Americas and prevent any further European colonization in the region. The doctrine stated that any attempt by European powers to interfere with the newly independent Latin American nations would be seen as a threat to the United States and would be met with resistance. This policy helped to solidify the United States' influence in the Western Hemisphere and protect the interests of the newly independent Latin American countries.

Japan signed the Treaty of Kanagawa with the United States. This treaty, signed in 1854, opened ports in Japan for trade with the United States. The treaty was negotiated by Commodore Matthew Perry, who led an expedition to Japan to establish diplomatic and trade relations. The Treaty of Kanagawa was a significant event in Japan's history, as it marked the end of Japan's policy of isolation and the beginning of its modernization and engagement with the global community.

The Spanish-American War resulted in the United States becoming an imperial power in Latin America and the Pacific. This war, fought between the United States and Spain in 1898, led to the acquisition of several territories by the United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. These acquisitions marked a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards expansionism and the establishment of American colonies in other parts of the world.

During the Meiji era, the Japanese adopted universal public education. This system aimed to provide education to all citizens, regardless of their social or economic backgrounds. The Japanese government recognized the importance of education in modernizing the country and catching up with the Western powers. They believed that a well-educated population would contribute to the nation's progress and development. Therefore, they implemented reforms that made education more accessible and mandatory for all children. This adoption of universal public education played a crucial role in Japan's transformation into a modern industrialized nation.

The Spanish-American War resulted in Spain losing control of Cuba. This war, which took place in 1898, was fought between Spain and the United States. One of the main causes of the war was the desire of the United States to support Cuban rebels in their fight for independence from Spanish rule. As a result of the war, Spain was forced to withdraw from Cuba and grant it independence. This marked the end of Spanish colonial rule in Cuba and allowed the country to break free from Spanish control.

Latin American economies became dominated by cash crop agricultural exports. This means that the economies of Latin American countries relied heavily on the production and export of crops such as coffee, sugar, tobacco, and bananas. These cash crops were grown on large plantations and were in high demand in international markets. The profits from these exports played a significant role in shaping the economic structure of Latin American countries during this period.

The United States aided Panama's fight for independence from Colombia in order to gain the right to build the Panama Canal. By supporting Panama's struggle for independence, the United States ensured that it would have a friendly government in control of the territory where the canal would be constructed. This allowed the United States to negotiate a treaty with Panama that granted them the rights to build and operate the canal.

José Martí was a writer and a prominent figure in the fight for Cuba's independence from Spain. He dedicated his life to advocating for the freedom and sovereignty of Cuba and was a key leader in the Cuban independence movement. Martí's writings and speeches inspired many and he played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the cause. Unfortunately, he died in combat while fighting for Cuba's independence, making him a martyr and a symbol of the struggle for freedom in Cuba.