Colonialism

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to colonialism, its economic, political, and social aspects, as well as its impact on African societies.

Colonialism

A practice where a country establishes control over a foreign territory, often exploiting its resources and indigenous people.

Atlantic Slave Trade

The forced transportation of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas from the 1520s to the late 1860s.

Congress of Berlin (1884)

A meeting of European powers to divide African territory among themselves, marking the start of the Scramble for Africa.

Principle of Effective Occupation

A requirement that colonial powers had to show effective control over a territory to maintain rights to it.

Chartered Companies

Private companies authorized by a government to engage in colonial activities, often given extensive powers over local populations.

Scramble for Africa

The rapid colonization of the African continent by various European powers between the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Civilizing Mission

The belief that colonial powers had a duty to impose their values and culture on supposedly 'less civilized' peoples.

Cash Crops

Crops produced for commercial value rather than for use by the grower, such as cotton, cocoa, and rubber.

Patrimonialism

A form of governance where power is based on familial or clan relationships, often seen as leading to corruption in post-colonial states.

Independence Movements

Efforts by various countries in the mid-20th century to gain independence from colonial rule, often leading to the formation of new nations.

Ethnic Tribalism

A social structure characterized by a strong allegiance to one's ethnic group, which can manifest in competition and conflict, especially in post-colonial contexts.

Predatory Regimes

Governments that exploit the populace for personal or political gain, often seen in post-colonial states with weak institutional frameworks.

Economic Interests of Colonialism

The motivations behind colonial expansion, including the need for raw materials, new markets, and economic gain for the colonial powers.

Cultural Superiority

The belief held by colonizers that their culture and values were superior to those of the indigenous populations.

Organization of African Unity (OAU)

An organization founded in 1963 to promote unity and cooperation among African states and support their independence movements.