Established

Definition

In the context of colonial rivals, 'established' refers to the formal recognition and consolidation of a foreign power's control over a territory, often through treaties, military conquest, or colonization efforts. This concept is essential in understanding how different European nations expanded their empires and competed for dominance in various regions across the globe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Established' colonial powers often set up administrative systems to govern their new territories, which included legal frameworks and economic structures.
2. Competition among established powers led to significant conflicts, such as the Anglo-Dutch Wars and the Seven Years' War, as nations sought to expand their influence.
3. The establishment of colonies allowed European powers to exploit local resources, which fueled their economies and enabled further expansion.
4. Missionary efforts often accompanied established colonial rule, as European powers aimed to convert indigenous populations to Christianity.
5. The process of establishment frequently involved displacing or subjugating indigenous populations, leading to long-term social and cultural impacts in the colonized regions.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of 'established' influence the relationship between European powers during the age of exploration?
  • 'Established' status allowed European powers to solidify their claims over territories, which in turn shaped diplomatic relations and rivalries. Nations sought to outmaneuver each other through treaties and military actions to gain recognition and legitimacy for their territorial claims. The competition for established colonies led to conflicts that not only changed borders but also influenced global trade patterns and international relations.
• Evaluate the impact of established colonial powers on the indigenous populations of their territories.
  • 'Established' colonial powers often imposed their governance structures on indigenous populations, leading to significant social and cultural upheaval. Many indigenous peoples were displaced from their lands or subjected to forced labor systems. Additionally, European colonizers frequently attempted to erase local customs and religions in favor of European practices, resulting in lasting consequences on cultural identities and community structures.
• Assess how mercantilism shaped the policies of established colonial empires during the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • Mercantilism drove established colonial empires to prioritize economic gain from their overseas possessions. This economic theory influenced policies such as trade restrictions that favored the mother country, leading to increased exploitation of colonies for resources. The focus on wealth accumulation through colonization created competition among established powers, which not only fueled conflicts but also had profound effects on global commerce and economic systems.

Related terms

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring control over foreign territories, often through settlement and exploitation of resources.

Treaty of Tordesillas: A 1494 agreement between Spain and Portugal that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between them along a meridian.

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and colonization to strengthen national power.