Untitled Flashcards Set

KEY TERMS:

Motivations for Imperialism: Factors that drove countries to expand their empires, including economic interests, nationalism, and cultural beliefs.

  1. New Imperialism: The phase of imperialism that began in the late 19th century characterized by the rapid expansion of European powers into Africa and Asia.

  2. Industrial Revolution and the Growth of Capitalism: A period of rapid industrial growth that increased the need for raw materials and markets for finished goods, motivating imperial expansion.

  3. Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes strong identification with one's nation, often leading to the desire for territorial expansion and dominance.

  4. Social Darwinism and National Survival: A belief that applied Darwin's theories of natural selection to human societies, which justified imperialism as a means of survival and progress for nations.

  5. Christianity: The use of religious motives to justify imperialism, with the aim of spreading Christian beliefs to indigenous populations.

  6. Scramble for Africa: The rapid colonization of Africa by European powers in the late 19th century, resulting in the partitioning of the continent.

  7. Joint Stock Company: A business entity where different stocks can be bought and owned by shareholders, often used to finance exploration and colonization.

  8. Paternalism: The policy or practice of individuals in authority making decisions for those deemed incapable, under the guise of providing for their needs.

  9. “Red Rubber”: A term used to describe the cruel exploitation of rubber resources in the Congo under King Leopold II's regime.

  10. Imperialism of the Mind: The idea that colonization was not just physical but also ideological, influencing thoughts and cultures in colonized societies.

  11. Cultural Agency: The ability of individuals and communities to engage with and respond to cultural changes imposed by imperial powers.

  12. Kleptocracy: A government characterized by rampant corruption, where leaders exploit national resources and wealth for personal gain.

  13. Imperialism in the Congo: The specific instance of European imperialism in the Congo, emphasizing the exploitation and atrocities committed during this period.

  14. Henry Morton Stanley: An explorer known for his expeditions in Africa and association with the colonization of the Congo.

  15. Force Publique: The military force established by the Belgian King Leopold II to enforce his rule in the Congo.

  16. King Leopold II: The King of Belgium who controlled the Congo Free State as a private venture and was notorious for the atrocities committed there.

  17. Berlin Conference: A meeting in 1884-1885 where European nations divided Africa among themselves without considering indigenous populations.

  18. Rubber: A primary commodity extracted from the Congo during the imperial period, often associated with exploitation.

  19. Ivory: A valuable material obtained from elephant tusks, heavily traded during the imperial era, especially in Africa.

  20. George Washington Williams: An African American historian and journalist who criticized the abuses in the Congo Free State.

  21. Alice Seeley Harris: A missionary and photographer who documented the atrocities in the Congo, helping to raise awareness of the situation.

  22. Roger Casement: An Irish diplomat known for his investigations into abuses in the Congo and advocacy for human rights.

  23. E.D. Morel: A British journalist and activist who exposed the exploitation and abuses in the Congo Free State through his work.

  24. Phases of Congo Imperialism: Refers to the different stages of control over the Congo, including the Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, and Independent Zaire.

  25. Congo Free State: The personal possession of King Leopold II from 1885 to 1908, characterized by brutal exploitation of resources and indigenous people.

  26. Belgian Congo: The successor to the Congo Free State, administered by Belgium from 1908 to 1960, still marked by colonial exploitation.

  27. Independent Zaire: The name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1971 to 1997 during the dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko.

  28. Mobutu Sese Seko: A military dictator who ruled Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) from 1965 to 1997, known for corruption and human rights abuses.

  29. Patrice Lumumba: The first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo after independence in 1960, who advocated for national unity and independence but was assassinated later that year.

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