The history of Yugoslavia is extensive and eventful. Numerous events throughout the history of the country have caused it to develop into its current condition. Despite the fact that Yugoslavia as a nation no longer exists, but rather Serbia and Montenegro claims to be its successor, the focus of the following historical review shall be none other than the major significant events of the country’s existence during the 20th century. Pre-World War I however, Yugoslavia existed with the title of Serbia.
Serbia existed as a nation during the 20th century, but only through the early years of it. The revolts that broke out in numerous Turkish provinces in the Balkans in 1875 led to a war between Russia and the Ottoman Empire. Upon being defeated, the Turks were forced to sign the Treaty of San Stefano. This treaty, signed in 1878, allowed Romania, Montenegro, and Serbia their independence. Over the next three decades, however, acts of aggression by the Ottoman Empire, including the alteration of national boundaries, resulted in the formation of the Balkan League, consisting of Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro, and Serbia. The League went to war with, and defeated the Ottoman Empire in 1912. This would seem to be a good thing, except for the fact that the Balkan League couldn’t agree on the distribution of the captured Turkish territories. This led to yet another war, although this time the war was with Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, Romania, and the remaining parts of the Ottoman Empire, siding against Bulgaria. Bulgaria suffered a quick defeat, and as a result, Serbia was able to come out of the wars with a seaport along the Adriatic Sea.
Imperialism, militarism, alliances, and nationalism were the four main causes of World War I. The nationalism aspect played an extremely large role, in that Russia agreed to back Serbia, and Germany the same with Austria-Hungary. June 28, 1914, the Serbian terrorist, Gavrilo Princip, assassinated Archduke Francis Ferdinand, future emperor of Austria-Hungary, and his wife. The result of this was declaration of war of Austria-Hungary on Serbia exactly one month later. Thus, World War I was initiated, and Serbia was held responsible as a whole for the actions of the one Serbian terrorist who began it all. Upon decimation of the Central Powers in 1918, Serbia and the Allies were victorious with copious gains. After the war, Serbia and Montenegro, the former Habsburg provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a section of the Adriatic coast (including the seaport they had received in 1912) decided unanimously to form the new nation of Yugoslavia. This marked the end of Serbia, and the birth of a new kingdom, with more foreseeable potential than could ever have been imagined.
Other posts on imperialism:
Historical Review: 20th Century Yugoslavia, Continued
What is Imperialism
The Effects of Imperialism on Foreign Lands
British Imperialism: South Africa
Imperialism Simulation
Historical Review: 20th Century Yugoslavia
Showing posts with label imperialism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label imperialism. Show all posts
Sunday, April 17, 2011
British Imperialism: South Africa
European occupation of South Africa began with the Dutch in 1652, why they founded Cape Town as a place for ships to refuel on their way to the East Indies. This Dutch colony grew very large over time (about the next 150 years), and eventually in the early 1800s, the British captured it. Now that the British controlled this colony in South Africa, many people left it, mass migrating to the north primarily. These Boers, as they were known to be, formed three new territories: the Orange Free State, Natal, and the Transvaal. As this occurred, the Boers came into communication with the native empire already located in the region: the Zulu. In 1879, the Boers teamed up with the British to defeat the Zulu, and destroy their empire, taking over control of all of their lands. Because soon thereafter, diamonds and gold were found in the region, Germany declared a protectorate over the region in the mid 1880s, in hopes of finding opulent mineral reserves. The history of this country, South Africa, was undoubtedly altered by British Imperialism.
The British, when they first began to colonize South Africa, did not impose cultural restraints to a maximum. The British practiced indirect rule over South Africa, primarily because they didn’t have enough manpower to put their own leaders into every country that they colonized. This left local South African rulers with some authority over their lands. The British also decided to allow the Boer populace to continue speaking their native language, Afrikaans, in hopes of ensuring Boer support of the peace. Another matter, though, left the natives upset about their position in society. The only individuals permitted to take part in the voting of government officials and such, were: “males who had lived in the South African Republic for at least seven years” (http://www .workmall.com/wfb2001/south_africa/south_africa_history_british_imperialism_and_the_afrikaners.html). The cultural effects of Imperialism on South Africa, overall, were minimized, with the exception of the law on voting.
The Imperialist effects of Great Britain on South Africa don’t end with their history and culture, but follow through to their economy. A British man named Cecil Rhodes relocated himself to South Africa in 1870. He moved to the diamond fields of the Orange Free State, controlled and operated by the Boers. Soon after moving, Rhodes became interested in the business and economics of the region, becoming engrossed in the production of diamonds. By about 2 decades later, Rhodes almost entirely controlled this industry, exhibiting similar characteristics to a monopoly. In 1899, war broke out between the British and the Boers, with the British eventually prevailing some three or so years later. With this victory, the British transformed the, what was once a Dutch colony, into a mining settlement. Later, in 1910, a constitution united the four regional colonies (Cape Colony, the Orange Free State, the Transvaal, and Natal), into the Union of South Africa. This was significant in history because it caused the economies of all four colonies to combine, creating a single, central economy with an emphasis on mining. This mining characteristic of South Africa brought much wealth to its imposers, the British, and later on in history, despite the fact that in 1908, the British only retained control over Natal. British control over South Africa began in 1878, and ended primarily in 1908, when all they retained control of was Natal.
Other posts on imperialism:
What is Imperialism
The Effects of Imperialism on Foreign Lands
British Imperialism: South Africa
Imperialism Simulation
Historical Review: 20th Century Yugoslavia
The British, when they first began to colonize South Africa, did not impose cultural restraints to a maximum. The British practiced indirect rule over South Africa, primarily because they didn’t have enough manpower to put their own leaders into every country that they colonized. This left local South African rulers with some authority over their lands. The British also decided to allow the Boer populace to continue speaking their native language, Afrikaans, in hopes of ensuring Boer support of the peace. Another matter, though, left the natives upset about their position in society. The only individuals permitted to take part in the voting of government officials and such, were: “males who had lived in the South African Republic for at least seven years” (http://www .workmall.com/wfb2001/south_africa/south_africa_history_british_imperialism_and_the_afrikaners.html). The cultural effects of Imperialism on South Africa, overall, were minimized, with the exception of the law on voting.
The Imperialist effects of Great Britain on South Africa don’t end with their history and culture, but follow through to their economy. A British man named Cecil Rhodes relocated himself to South Africa in 1870. He moved to the diamond fields of the Orange Free State, controlled and operated by the Boers. Soon after moving, Rhodes became interested in the business and economics of the region, becoming engrossed in the production of diamonds. By about 2 decades later, Rhodes almost entirely controlled this industry, exhibiting similar characteristics to a monopoly. In 1899, war broke out between the British and the Boers, with the British eventually prevailing some three or so years later. With this victory, the British transformed the, what was once a Dutch colony, into a mining settlement. Later, in 1910, a constitution united the four regional colonies (Cape Colony, the Orange Free State, the Transvaal, and Natal), into the Union of South Africa. This was significant in history because it caused the economies of all four colonies to combine, creating a single, central economy with an emphasis on mining. This mining characteristic of South Africa brought much wealth to its imposers, the British, and later on in history, despite the fact that in 1908, the British only retained control over Natal. British control over South Africa began in 1878, and ended primarily in 1908, when all they retained control of was Natal.
Other posts on imperialism:
What is Imperialism
The Effects of Imperialism on Foreign Lands
British Imperialism: South Africa
Imperialism Simulation
Historical Review: 20th Century Yugoslavia
The Effects of Imperialism on Foreign Lands
Imperialism is: the ambition of a powerful nation to dominate the political, economic, and cultural affairs of another nation or region. The Age of Imperialism occurred between 1830 and 1917. During this time frame, numerous European nations experienced an increased desire for self-sufficiency. The industrialized nations of the time wished not to be dependent on other countries for raw materials. Thus, the leaders of these nations were forced to find alternative means of getting the materials that they needed. This alternative means just so happened to be the colonization of overseas nations, primarily in Asia, Africa, and South America. With this colonization, major European powers were able to get the materials that they needed without being dependent on their neighbor, and increase the sizes of their armies and navies. A major European power colonizing and annexing another overseas nation meant that that nation would then become industrialized. The price to pay for this, though, was a European monopoly on all the goods sold in those countries. Thus, local industries in overseas nations suffered significantly, and were in most cases unable to continue operation. Along with industrialization, came numerous missionaries of Christianity, and with them, knowledge of medicine, sanitation, and hygiene. Europeans felt that those less fortunate than themselves deserved to be subject to Western civilization. There were countless pros and cons to European Imperialism, but for the most part, Imperialism was beneficial to those that it influenced.
Other posts on imperialism:
What is Imperialism
The Effects of Imperialism on Foreign Lands
British Imperialism: South Africa
Imperialism Simulation
Historical Review: 20th Century Yugoslavia
Other posts on imperialism:
What is Imperialism
The Effects of Imperialism on Foreign Lands
British Imperialism: South Africa
Imperialism Simulation
Historical Review: 20th Century Yugoslavia
Thursday, August 19, 2010
What is Imperialism
Imperialism is: the ambition of a powerful nation to dominate the political, economic, and cultural affairs of another nation or region. The Age of Imperialism occurred between 1830 and 1917. During this time frame, numerous European nations experienced an increased desire for self-sufficiency. The industrialized nations of the time wished not to be dependent on other countries for raw materials. Thus, the leaders of these nations were forced to find alternative means of getting the materials that they needed. This alternative means just so happened to be the colonization of overseas nations, primarily in Asia, Africa, and South America. With this colonization, major European powers were able to get the materials that they needed without being dependent on their neighbor, and increase the sizes of their armies and navies. A major European power colonizing and annexing another overseas nation meant that that nation would then become industrialized. The price to pay for this, though, was a European monopoly on all the goods sold in those countries. Thus, local industries in overseas nations suffered significantly, and were in most cases unable to continue operation. Along with industrialization, came numerous missionaries of Christianity, and with them, knowledge of medicine, sanitation, and hygiene. Europeans felt that those less fortunate than themselves deserved to be subject to Western civilization. There were countless pros and cons to European Imperialism, but for the most part, Imperialism was beneficial to those that it influenced.
Other posts on imperialism:
What is Imperialism
The Effects of Imperialism on Foreign Lands
British Imperialism: South Africa
Imperialism Simulation
Historical Review: 20th Century Yugoslavia
Other posts on imperialism:
What is Imperialism
The Effects of Imperialism on Foreign Lands
British Imperialism: South Africa
Imperialism Simulation
Historical Review: 20th Century Yugoslavia
Monday, October 29, 2007
Imperialism Simulation
Imperialism is over, but the Europeans continue to interact a great deal with the Latin American countries. The two continents almost act as friends and business partners now. Shocking as it may seem, right after the Europeans were kicked out, they came right back in and ran a monopoly with all the Latin American markets. This was not a very bright idea considering the fact that the Europeans were just booted out; to come right back in and antagonize the Latin Americans was a mistake. Despite gaining their independence, imperialism did not end for the Latin American countries because of the Europeans’ unending and persistent struggle to once again control Latin America.
Although the Peninsulares were removed from their position in the Latin American countries and returned to their homes, social classes remained appealingly much the same to the lower classes. The lower classes felt as though they were still at the bottom. The only immense change amongst the social classes was that anybody and everybody was now a step higher on the social ladder. The Creoles took the place of the Peninsulares, and performed the same line of work as them. It was unfortunate for the Natives, who were still trapped at the bottom of the social chain, to be continuously ruled in this unorthodox fashion. Another effect on social organization was the fact that the majority of the government officials were still the rich citizens in town. By gaining their independence, the Natives expected to change this unjust way of operating a society. What they got is what they least expected to be done; nothing. Despite seeing no apparent change in these two previously mentioned points, this next point shows an overwhelming change. The overwhelming majority of the Natives in the Latin American countries were Christian by the time the Europeans had left; their missionaries had converted most of the Natives to Christianity before they left. All of the Native’s bloodletting had ceased after this change, which affected their lives forever. Not only was social organization influenced in the Latin American countries, but many other changes also occurred all throughout the retreat of Imperialist influence from these poor, beaten up countries.
Even though the Europeans were gone, they really weren’t gone at all; they had just taken a different form. The Europeans were now back in Latin America, and back in action. The Latin American countries attempted to produce their own goods, but were unsuccessful because they could never produce enough of them. The Europeans ran the markets like a monopoly. The Latin Americans would produce a product, and then put it on the market. The Europeans would then find out about it, and put out a similar type of product but at a cheaper price. The Europeans would flood the market with this cheaper merchandise and would be willing to take a loss in the beginning because they knew that in the end, they would take total control over the market for that product and would have all the business and profits for it. The Latin Americans couldn’t afford to do this, and thus were sold out of the market. With this happening as often as it did, the Natives became so dependent on the Europeans for most of their material needs, that they were willing to pay any price for them. Although the Europeans were gone physically, they really weren’t gone at all; they still controlled the innocent Latin American countries economically.
Latin American countries attempted to modernize, but were cut short because they just didn’t have the money. Because they didn’t possess the money, the Europeans came in and started companies and businesses. These companies and businesses were usually large in size, and created many jobs for the natives producing goods and products needed by most people. The Latin Americans assumed that they could also make a bundle of money by creating their own companies. Unfortunately though, these eager citizens hadn’t hardly any money to start with, and were forced to take out loans from the Europeans; many of which could ultimately not be paid off. With these outstanding debts, the Latin Americans were forced to work under the Europeans, revealing the true strength of the Europeans. Now with great debts on their hands, the citizens of Latin America were being forced to furnish the European demands for more political power. Despite their own efforts to help modernize and revolutionize Latin America, the unruly Europeans still managed to greatly manipulate the Latin American countries in many ways. Despite gaining their independence, the Europeans’ economic, social, and political intervention with the Latin American countries failed to halt. Once more, desperate times emerged posing a whole new line of problems replacing the old ones.
The greatest mistake that the Europeans made in this matter was to come back in the first place, and to manipulate the Latin American countries even more. It was a very beneficial move on the Europeans’ side, but it didn’t please the Natives too much. If anything, gaining their independence only increased the amount of European control over the Latin Americans. Although, now the control was almost entirely economic, and not hardly political any more. The Europeans left once, but came back for another round of manipulation on Latin America and all the Natives in it. How do you suppose the Natives will handle this matter?
Other posts on imperialism:
What is Imperialism
The Effects of Imperialism on Foreign Lands
British Imperialism: South Africa
Imperialism Simulation
Historical Review: 20th Century Yugoslavia
Although the Peninsulares were removed from their position in the Latin American countries and returned to their homes, social classes remained appealingly much the same to the lower classes. The lower classes felt as though they were still at the bottom. The only immense change amongst the social classes was that anybody and everybody was now a step higher on the social ladder. The Creoles took the place of the Peninsulares, and performed the same line of work as them. It was unfortunate for the Natives, who were still trapped at the bottom of the social chain, to be continuously ruled in this unorthodox fashion. Another effect on social organization was the fact that the majority of the government officials were still the rich citizens in town. By gaining their independence, the Natives expected to change this unjust way of operating a society. What they got is what they least expected to be done; nothing. Despite seeing no apparent change in these two previously mentioned points, this next point shows an overwhelming change. The overwhelming majority of the Natives in the Latin American countries were Christian by the time the Europeans had left; their missionaries had converted most of the Natives to Christianity before they left. All of the Native’s bloodletting had ceased after this change, which affected their lives forever. Not only was social organization influenced in the Latin American countries, but many other changes also occurred all throughout the retreat of Imperialist influence from these poor, beaten up countries.
Even though the Europeans were gone, they really weren’t gone at all; they had just taken a different form. The Europeans were now back in Latin America, and back in action. The Latin American countries attempted to produce their own goods, but were unsuccessful because they could never produce enough of them. The Europeans ran the markets like a monopoly. The Latin Americans would produce a product, and then put it on the market. The Europeans would then find out about it, and put out a similar type of product but at a cheaper price. The Europeans would flood the market with this cheaper merchandise and would be willing to take a loss in the beginning because they knew that in the end, they would take total control over the market for that product and would have all the business and profits for it. The Latin Americans couldn’t afford to do this, and thus were sold out of the market. With this happening as often as it did, the Natives became so dependent on the Europeans for most of their material needs, that they were willing to pay any price for them. Although the Europeans were gone physically, they really weren’t gone at all; they still controlled the innocent Latin American countries economically.
Latin American countries attempted to modernize, but were cut short because they just didn’t have the money. Because they didn’t possess the money, the Europeans came in and started companies and businesses. These companies and businesses were usually large in size, and created many jobs for the natives producing goods and products needed by most people. The Latin Americans assumed that they could also make a bundle of money by creating their own companies. Unfortunately though, these eager citizens hadn’t hardly any money to start with, and were forced to take out loans from the Europeans; many of which could ultimately not be paid off. With these outstanding debts, the Latin Americans were forced to work under the Europeans, revealing the true strength of the Europeans. Now with great debts on their hands, the citizens of Latin America were being forced to furnish the European demands for more political power. Despite their own efforts to help modernize and revolutionize Latin America, the unruly Europeans still managed to greatly manipulate the Latin American countries in many ways. Despite gaining their independence, the Europeans’ economic, social, and political intervention with the Latin American countries failed to halt. Once more, desperate times emerged posing a whole new line of problems replacing the old ones.
The greatest mistake that the Europeans made in this matter was to come back in the first place, and to manipulate the Latin American countries even more. It was a very beneficial move on the Europeans’ side, but it didn’t please the Natives too much. If anything, gaining their independence only increased the amount of European control over the Latin Americans. Although, now the control was almost entirely economic, and not hardly political any more. The Europeans left once, but came back for another round of manipulation on Latin America and all the Natives in it. How do you suppose the Natives will handle this matter?
Other posts on imperialism:
What is Imperialism
The Effects of Imperialism on Foreign Lands
British Imperialism: South Africa
Imperialism Simulation
Historical Review: 20th Century Yugoslavia
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