Domination

Definition

Domination refers to the exercise of power or control over others, often resulting in the suppression of their autonomy and independence. In historical contexts, especially during periods of imperialism, domination typically involved the establishment of authority by one nation over another, leading to cultural, economic, and political subjugation. This relationship often resulted in the exploitation of resources and people in colonized regions while benefiting the dominating power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Domination during imperialism often resulted in the suppression of local cultures and traditions, as colonizers imposed their own values and practices on indigenous populations.
2. Economic domination was characterized by the extraction of resources from colonies, which benefited the imperial powers while leaving local economies dependent and underdeveloped.
3. Political domination involved the imposition of foreign governance systems that marginalized local leaders and eroded traditional power structures.
4. Resistance movements often emerged in response to domination, as colonized peoples sought to reclaim their rights and independence from imperial powers.
5. The legacies of domination can still be seen today in post-colonial societies where issues of identity, economic disparity, and political instability persist.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of domination manifest in the relationships between imperial powers and colonized regions?
  • Domination in imperial relationships was evident through military conquest, political control, and cultural assimilation. Imperial powers imposed their governance structures and legal systems on colonized regions, undermining local authority and traditional practices. This domination often led to significant changes in social structures, economies, and cultural identities, as colonizers sought to integrate these areas into their empires for resource extraction and strategic advantage.
• Discuss the economic effects of domination on colonized societies during the age of imperialism.
  • The economic effects of domination on colonized societies were profound and long-lasting. Colonizers exploited local resources for their own benefit, leading to a focus on cash crop production that disrupted traditional agricultural practices. This exploitation often resulted in economic dependency where colonized regions became reliant on the imperial powers for manufactured goods while struggling with underdevelopment and poverty due to the loss of control over their own resources.
• Evaluate how the legacies of domination have influenced contemporary global relations and issues in formerly colonized nations.
  • The legacies of domination continue to shape contemporary global relations, creating challenges for formerly colonized nations. Issues such as economic inequality, political instability, and social divisions can often be traced back to the impacts of imperialism. Many post-colonial states struggle with the consequences of disrupted social structures and economies that were molded under colonial rule. Understanding these legacies is crucial for addressing current global challenges and fostering equitable relationships among nations.

Related terms

Colonialism:

The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Exploitation:

The act of utilizing someone or something in an unfair or selfish manner, often seen in the context of labor or natural resources taken from dominated territories.

Subjugation: The act of bringing someone or something under domination or control, often through force or coercion.