Les 7: European Expansion

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts, events, and interpretations regarding the rise of the West during European expansion, including economic, political, and ideational factors.

What factors contributed to the rise of the West in the 19th century?

Industrial revolution, colonization, and exploitation.

What are the two main positions regarding the rise of the West?

Endogenous (intra-European) and exogenous (extra-European) explanations.

What does the liberal explanation focus on in relation to the rise of the West?

The role of institutions in trade, free markets, and the protection of free trade by liberal states.

How did the Marxist view interpret the rise of the West?

Emphasis on the role of material conditions like labor commodification and surplus value.

What is surplus value?

The difference between the wage paid to labor and the value of the goods produced, which profits the owner.

How did political organization contribute to the power of European states?

Competing states that engage in warfare which leads to efficiency and survival.

What ideational shifts propelled Europe during this period?

Scientific advancements and Enlightenment ideas that influenced contemporary philosophy.

What significant geographical and demographic advantages did Europe have?

Temperate climate, delayed marriage patterns, and proximity to natural resources like coal.

What role did 'Pax Mongolica' play in early European expansion?

It enabled merchants and missionaries to travel and trade more easily.

What was the Treaty of Tordesillas?

A 1494 agreement that divided the New World between Spain and Portugal.

What was the purpose of the Reconquista, and how did it affect colonial endeavors?

To reconquer lands, which led to religiously motivated soldiers being sent to the New World.

What was Las Cassas' stance on the treatment of indigenous people?

He argued against exploitation, advocating for their humanity, which put him in conflict with others.

What concept describes the European perspective of settling empty lands during colonization?

Terra nullius.

What was the VOC and its significance?

The Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie, one of the first joint-stock companies, reducing risks for investors.

How did the British approach to trade in China lead to conflict?

British merchants wanted to trade opium, leading to the Opium Wars when China resisted.

What is 'gunboat diplomacy' as it relates to Japan?

Using threat of force to secure trade agreements, exemplified by Perry's expedition.

What was the Berlin Conference?

A meeting to divide African territories among European powers to mitigate conflict.

What are the two types of explanations for the rise of the West discussed in the lecture?

Endogenous drivers and exogenous drivers.