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.
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.
Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes strong identification with one's nation, often leading to the desire for territorial expansion and dominance.
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.
Christianity: The use of religious motives to justify imperialism, with the aim of spreading Christian beliefs to indigenous populations.
Scramble for Africa: The rapid colonization of Africa by European powers in the late 19th century, resulting in the partitioning of the continent.
Joint Stock Company: A business entity where different stocks can be bought and owned by shareholders, often used to finance exploration and colonization.
Paternalism: The policy or practice of individuals in authority making decisions for those deemed incapable, under the guise of providing for their needs.
“Red Rubber”: A term used to describe the cruel exploitation of rubber resources in the Congo under King Leopold II's regime.
Imperialism of the Mind: The idea that colonization was not just physical but also ideological, influencing thoughts and cultures in colonized societies.
Cultural Agency: The ability of individuals and communities to engage with and respond to cultural changes imposed by imperial powers.
Kleptocracy: A government characterized by rampant corruption, where leaders exploit national resources and wealth for personal gain.
Imperialism in the Congo: The specific instance of European imperialism in the Congo, emphasizing the exploitation and atrocities committed during this period.
Henry Morton Stanley: An explorer known for his expeditions in Africa and association with the colonization of the Congo.
Force Publique: The military force established by the Belgian King Leopold II to enforce his rule in the Congo.
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.
Berlin Conference: A meeting in 1884-1885 where European nations divided Africa among themselves without considering indigenous populations.
Rubber: A primary commodity extracted from the Congo during the imperial period, often associated with exploitation.
Ivory: A valuable material obtained from elephant tusks, heavily traded during the imperial era, especially in Africa.
George Washington Williams: An African American historian and journalist who criticized the abuses in the Congo Free State.
Alice Seeley Harris: A missionary and photographer who documented the atrocities in the Congo, helping to raise awareness of the situation.
Roger Casement: An Irish diplomat known for his investigations into abuses in the Congo and advocacy for human rights.
E.D. Morel: A British journalist and activist who exposed the exploitation and abuses in the Congo Free State through his work.
Phases of Congo Imperialism: Refers to the different stages of control over the Congo, including the Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, and Independent Zaire.
Congo Free State: The personal possession of King Leopold II from 1885 to 1908, characterized by brutal exploitation of resources and indigenous people.
Belgian Congo: The successor to the Congo Free State, administered by Belgium from 1908 to 1960, still marked by colonial exploitation.
Independent Zaire: The name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1971 to 1997 during the dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko.
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.
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.