Ap World History Unit 5 Study Guide

AP World History Unit 5 Study Guide: Revolutionizing the World (1750-1900)

This comprehensive study guide covers AP World History Unit 5, focusing on the period from 1750 to 1900. This era witnessed dramatic transformations across the globe, including the rise of industrialization, revolutionary movements, and the expansion of global empires. Mastering this unit is crucial for success on the AP exam.

I. The Industrial Revolution: A Global Transformation

The Industrial Revolution, beginning in Great Britain and spreading globally, fundamentally reshaped economies and societies. Understanding its causes, consequences, and global impact is key.

A. Causes of the Industrial Revolution:

• Agricultural Revolution: Improved farming techniques led to increased food production, supporting a growing population and freeing up labor for factories. The enclosure movement, though controversial due to displacement of farmers, played a significant role.
• Technological Innovations: Inventions like the spinning jenny, power loom, and steam engine drastically increased production efficiency. The development of new materials like iron and steel further fueled industrial growth.
• Access to Resources: Britain possessed abundant coal and iron reserves, essential for powering factories and producing machinery. Its extensive colonial empire provided raw materials and markets for manufactured goods.
• Capital and Entrepreneurship: A growing merchant class accumulated capital, willing to invest in new industries and technologies. Entrepreneurs took risks and drove innovation.
• Stable Government and Infrastructure: Britain's relatively stable political system and well-developed infrastructure (roads, canals, ports) facilitated trade and economic growth.

B. Consequences of the Industrial Revolution:

• Urbanization: Mass migration from rural areas to cities led to rapid urban growth, creating overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions. Tenement housing became a hallmark of industrial cities.
• Social Changes: The rise of a working class (proletariat) and a middle class (bourgeoisie) created new social hierarchies. Class conflict became a defining feature of industrial societies.
• Environmental Impact: Industrial production caused significant pollution of air and water, resulting in long-term environmental damage.
• Economic Growth: The Industrial Revolution generated unprecedented economic growth and increased standards of living for some, though the benefits were unevenly distributed.
• Global Impact: Industrialization spread to other parts of the world, transforming their economies and societies. However, this often led to dependency on industrialized nations.

C. The Spread of Industrialization:

• Continental Europe: Industrialization spread gradually across Europe, with countries like Germany and France experiencing rapid industrial growth in the late 19th century.
• Russia: Russia's industrialization was characterized by state-sponsored development and rapid expansion of railroads.
• United States: The U.S. experienced rapid industrialization due to its abundant resources, large workforce, and entrepreneurial spirit. Railroads played a vital role in connecting markets and facilitating economic growth.
• Japan: Japan's Meiji Restoration marked a period of rapid modernization and industrialization, allowing it to become a major power in the late 19th century.

II. Revolution and Reform: Challenging Existing Orders

The late 18th and 19th centuries saw numerous revolutionary movements challenging existing political and social structures.

A. The American Revolution:

• Causes: Growing tensions between Great Britain and its American colonies over taxation and representation led to revolution. Enlightenment ideals played a significant role in shaping revolutionary thought.
• Outcomes: The American Revolution resulted in the establishment of an independent United States based on principles of republicanism and popular sovereignty. The creation of a constitution attempting to balance liberty and order became influential.
• Impact: The American Revolution inspired other revolutionary movements around the world, demonstrating the possibility of challenging established authority.

B. The French Revolution:

• Causes: Social inequalities, economic hardship, and an absolute monarchy fueled the French Revolution. Enlightenment ideas and the American Revolution influenced revolutionary thought.
• Phases: The revolution went through various phases, from the relatively moderate initial stage to the radical Reign of Terror under Robespierre. The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte marked a new stage.
• Outcomes: The French Revolution resulted in the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. It led to significant social and political reforms, although it also resulted in widespread violence and instability.
• Impact: The French Revolution profoundly impacted European politics and society, spreading revolutionary ideals and inspiring nationalist movements. The Napoleonic Wars spread revolutionary ideas further across Europe.

C. Latin American Revolutions:

• Causes: Colonial rule, social inequality, and the influence of Enlightenment ideas and the success of the American and French Revolutions all contributed to the Latin American revolutions. Creole elites played a key role.
• Leaders: Figures like Simon Bolivar, Jose de San Martin, and Miguel Hidalgo led independence movements in various parts of Latin America.
• Outcomes: The Latin American revolutions led to the independence of most Spanish colonies in the early 19th century. However, these new nations faced challenges such as political instability and economic dependency.
• Impact: The Latin American revolutions reshaped the political map of the Americas and contributed to the decline of European colonial power in the region.

D. Other Reform Movements:

• Abolitionism: The movement to abolish slavery gained momentum during this period, influenced by Enlightenment ideals and religious beliefs.
• Women's Rights: The women's suffrage movement began to emerge, advocating for women's rights and equal opportunities.
• Nationalism: Nationalist movements arose across Europe, challenging existing empires and leading to the unification of Italy and Germany.

III. Imperialism and Global Interactions

The 19th century witnessed a dramatic expansion of European empires, leading to increased global interaction and profound consequences.

A. Causes of Imperialism:

• Economic Motives: The need for raw materials, markets, and investment opportunities drove European expansion.
• Political Motives: Competition among European powers for prestige and power fueled imperial ambitions.
• Social Darwinism: The misapplication of Darwin's theory of evolution to justify European dominance and racial superiority.
• Technological Advances: Improved transportation (steam ships, railroads) and communication technologies (telegraph) facilitated imperial expansion.
• Missionary Activities: Religious missionaries played a role in spreading Christianity and European influence.

B. Methods of Imperial Control:

• Direct Rule: Direct administration by European officials.
• Indirect Rule: Governing through existing local leaders and institutions.
• Economic Control: Exploiting resources and manipulating economies for the benefit of the colonial power.
• Military Force: Using military power to subdue resistance and maintain control.

C. Imperialism in Africa:

• The Scramble for Africa: The rapid partition of Africa among European powers in the late 19th century.
• Impact: Imperialism devastated African societies, disrupting traditional political structures, economies, and social relations. It led to exploitation of resources and the imposition of foreign cultures.
• Resistance: African peoples resisted colonial rule through various forms of resistance, both armed and non-violent.

D. Imperialism in Asia:

• British India: British rule in India was characterized by economic exploitation and political control. The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 marked a significant moment of resistance.
• China: China's defeat in the Opium Wars led to the cession of territory and the imposition of unequal treaties. The Boxer Rebellion was a response to foreign influence.
• Southeast Asia: European powers colonized much of Southeast Asia, exploiting its resources and transforming its economies.
• Japan: Unlike other Asian nations, Japan successfully modernized and resisted Western imperialism.

E. The Impact of Imperialism:

• Economic Exploitation: Colonies were sources of raw materials and markets for manufactured goods, leading to economic dependency.
• Political Instability: Colonial rule often disrupted traditional political systems and created instability after independence.
• Cultural Change: The imposition of foreign cultures and religions led to cultural hybridity and resistance.
• Global Trade: Imperialism led to increased global trade and interconnectedness.

IV. Global Migration and the Movement of Peoples

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant migration patterns, both internal and international, resulting in new cultural exchanges and social transformations.

A. Causes of Migration:

• Economic Opportunities: The search for better jobs and economic advancement.
• Political Instability: Fleeing political persecution or conflict.
• Environmental Factors: Droughts, famines, and other environmental disasters.
• Religious Persecution: Seeking refuge from religious intolerance.

B. Patterns of Migration:

• European Emigration: Large-scale migration from Europe to the Americas, Australia, and other parts of the world.
• Asian Migration: Significant migration from Asia to various parts of the world, including the Americas and Southeast Asia.
• African Migration: Forced migration through the slave trade and later voluntary migration within and outside Africa.
• Internal Migration: Significant internal migration within countries, particularly from rural areas to cities.

C. Consequences of Migration:

• Cultural Exchange: The mixing of different cultures and the creation of new cultural hybridity.
• Social Tensions: Migration often led to social tensions and conflicts between different groups.
• Economic Growth: Migration contributed to economic growth in many regions.
• Demographic Changes: Migration significantly altered the demographic composition of many societies.

V. Conclusion: A World Transformed

The period from 1750 to 1900 witnessed profound transformations across the globe. Understanding the Industrial Revolution, revolutionary movements, imperialism, and global migration is essential for comprehending the modern world. This study guide provides a framework for your learning, but remember to consult your textbook and other resources for a more comprehensive understanding. Good luck with your AP World History studies!