Understanding Colonialism - Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms, key concepts, and historical places related to the study of colonialism.

Colonisation

The process in which one country gains control over another country and imposes its own political, economic, social and cultural structures and practices over the colonised country.

Colony

The country that is ruled by another country.

Imperialist country

The country that rules over another country (colony) to derive maximum benefit for itself by exploiting the colony's economy.

Colonia

The Roman term referring to a 'farm or settlement' in a new territory, from which the word 'colonialism' originates.

The Jewel in the Crown

A phrase used for the best or most valuable part of something. It was used to describe India under the British Empire and is also the title of a novel on the British Raj by Paul Scott.

Indigenous

If used in the context of people, this term means people who have lived in a place for a long time, much before the appearance of other people at the same place.

Enslavement

The act of making somebody a slave.

Age of Colonialism

The period beginning with European overseas conquests from the 15th century CE onwards and extending well into the 20th century CE, marking the most extensive territorial expansion in history.

Subjugation

The act of defeating and exercising complete control over something or someone.

New Amsterdam

A Dutch settlement in North America that was captured by the British in the 17th century and renamed New York.

Ashanti Empire

An empire in West Africa that was defeated and conquered by the British through superior military force.