Colonialism Terms

Question 1

The term for the supposed duty of white colonizers to civilize non-white populations.

Answer 1

Whiteman’s Burden

Question 2

A policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Answer 2

Imperialism

Question 3

The control of one country by another, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Answer 3

Colonialism

Question 4

1857 rebellion against British rule in India by the native soldiers.

Answer 4

Sepoy Mutiny

Question 5

An English company that played a major role in the colonization of India.

Answer 5

East India Trading Company

Question 6

A war (1899-1902) between the British Empire and the two Boer states, noted for its harsh tactics and guerrilla warfare.

Answer 6

Boer War

Question 7

A 1884-85 meeting where European powers regulated colonial claims in Africa, leading to the partition of the continent.

Answer 7

Berlin Conference

Question 8

The colonial administration system where the colonizing power retains direct control over the colony’s governance.

Answer 8

Direct Rule

Question 9

A colonial governance system where local rulers maintain some authority under the supervision of the colonizing power.

Answer 9

Indirect Rule

Question 10

The term for the period of British sovereignty in India from 1858 to 1947.

Answer 10

British Raj

Question 11

The movement by colonized peoples to achieve independence and self-governance.

Answer 11

Nationalism

Question 12

The Belgian king notorious for his exploitative rule of the Congo Free State.

Answer 12

King Leopold II

Question 13

Leopold II’s private control over this central African territory, notorious for its atrocities and exploitation.

Answer 13

Free State of Congo

Question 14

The period of intense European territorial acquisitions in Africa, marked by the Berlin Conference.

Answer 14

Scramble for Africa

Question 15

This facilitated movement and resource exportation under British rule in India.

Answer 15

Indian Railway

Question 16

The bureaucracy that administered colonial India, primarily staffed by British officials.

Answer 16

Indian Civil Service

Question 17

The representative of the British crown in India, overseeing colonial administration.

Answer 17

Viceroy

Question 18

British policy allowing annexation of Indian states if rulers died without biological heirs.

Answer 18

Doctrine of Lapse

Question 19

Dutch settlers in South Africa, known for their conflicts with the British.

Answer 19

Boers

Question 20

The 1757 battle that marked the beginning of British dominance in India.

Answer 20

Battle of Plassey

Question 21

Welsh-American explorer known for his African expeditions and finding Dr. Livingstone.

Answer 21

Henry Morton Stanley

Question 22

Describe what “Whiteman’s Burden” refers to.

Answer 22

A concept popularized by Rudyard Kipling that suggested it was the duty of European powers to civilize and govern non-European societies.

Question 23

What is imperialism?

Answer 23

Imperialism is the policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Question 24

Define colonialism.

Answer 24

Colonialism involves one country taking full or partial political control over another, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Question 25

Explain the historical significance of the Sepoy Mutiny.

Answer 25

The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 was a crucial event in Indian history that led to the dissolution of the East India Company’s rule and the direct control of India by Britain.

Question 26

What role did the East India Trading Company play in history?

Answer 26

The East India Trading Company facilitated British colonialism in India by controlling trade and exercising military and administrative functions.

Question 27

What was the Boer War and why was it significant?

Answer 27

The Boer War (1899-1902) between the British Empire and Boer states was significant for its demonstration of guerrilla warfare and its impact on British military tactics.

Question 28

Describe the Berlin Conference of 1884-85.

Answer 28

The Berlin Conference regulated European colonization and trade in Africa during the New Imperialism period, and is infamous for its role in the Scramble for Africa.

Question 29

What are the differences between direct rule and indirect rule?

Answer 29

Direct rule involves centralizing administrative power, whereas indirect rule allows local rulers to maintain some authority under colonial governance.

Question 30

How did British Raj affect India?

Answer 30

The British Raj established British control over India, leading to significant economic changes, the introduction of a railway system, and increased conflict.

Question 31

What does nationalism entail in a colonial context?

Answer 31

In a colonial context, nationalism refers to the movement by subject peoples to achieve self-government and reclaim autonomy from colonial rulers.

Question 32

Who was King Leopold II and why is he historically significant?

Answer 32

King Leopold II of Belgium was significant for his personal control of the Congo Free State where he exploited resources and people, leading to international outrage.

Question 33

Describe the Free State of Congo under Leopold II.

Answer 33

The Free State of Congo was a private venture by King Leopold II of Belgium, characterized by brutal exploitation and significant population decline due to atrocities.

Question 34

Explain the Scramble for Africa.

Answer 34

The Scramble for Africa was a period of rapid colonization of the African continent by European powers, marked by the Berlin Conference of 1884-85.

Question 35

What was the role of the Indian Railway in colonial India?

Answer 35

The Indian Railway, developed during the British Raj, facilitated military movements, resource extraction, and influenced the economic and social landscape of India.

Question 36

How did the Indian Civil Service function under British rule?

Answer 36

The Indian Civil Service was the bureaucracy that administered British India; it was predominantly staffed by British officials and some Indians.

Question 37

What was the function of a Viceroy in British India?

Answer 37

The Viceroy in British India was the top British official in charge of administration and was the representative of the British crown.

Question 38

What was the Doctrine of Lapse?

Answer 38

The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy of the British East India Company that allowed them to annex territories of rulers who died without a biological heir.

Question 39

Who were the Boers and what is their significance?

Answer 39

The Boers were Dutch settlers in South Africa, known for their conflicts with the British culminating in the Boer Wars, significantly affecting South African history.

Question 40

Describe the Battle of Plassey and its impact.

Answer 40

The Battle of Plassey (1757) was a decisive victory by the British East India Company over the Nawab of Bengal and his French allies, paving the way for British rule in India.

Question 41

Who was Henry Morton Stanley and what did he achieve?

Answer 41

Henry Morton Stanley was a Welsh-American explorer famous for his expeditions in Africa, notably his search for Dr. Livingstone and his role in the Congo under Leopold II.