Establish

Definition

To establish means to set up, create, or lay the groundwork for something that becomes permanent or recognized. This term is crucial when considering the formation of systems, institutions, and practices, especially in contexts like trade, diplomatic agreements, and colonial rule. Establishing frameworks can lead to significant social, economic, and political changes, impacting entire regions and their interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The transatlantic slave trade established a brutal system of forced labor that significantly impacted economies in both Africa and the Americas.
2. The Congress of Vienna sought to establish a balance of power in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars to prevent future conflicts and maintain peace.
3. Imperialism was driven by a desire to establish dominance over foreign territories for economic gain, leading to the expansion of empires across Africa and Asia.
4. Establishing colonies often involved creating new governance structures that imposed European laws and customs on indigenous populations.
5. In international relations, treaties established during diplomatic negotiations can reshape borders and influence future interactions between nations.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of trade routes influence social and economic structures in Europe and Africa during the slave trade?
  • The establishment of trade routes during the slave trade created a network that facilitated the exchange of goods, including enslaved individuals. This not only generated significant wealth for European nations but also led to profound social changes in Africa as societies were disrupted by the loss of population and the emergence of new trade dynamics. The interconnectedness fostered by these routes resulted in a shift in power relations and economic dependencies that shaped both continents.
• What role did the establishment of new borders at the Congress of Vienna play in shaping modern Europe?
  • The establishment of new borders at the Congress of Vienna was pivotal in shaping modern Europe by creating a balance of power aimed at preventing further conflicts. By redrawing territorial lines, the leaders sought to restore stability after years of war, but this also laid the groundwork for future nationalistic tensions. The newly established boundaries often disregarded ethnic and cultural divisions, which would later lead to conflicts as nationalist movements emerged seeking self-determination.
• Evaluate how the establishment of imperialism influenced global interactions and relations among nations in the late 19th century.
  • The establishment of imperialism in the late 19th century significantly influenced global interactions by fostering competition among European powers for colonies and resources. This race for empire not only reshaped political boundaries but also created complex relationships between colonizers and colonized nations. As imperial powers exerted control over vast territories, they imposed their governance structures and cultures, leading to both conflict and cooperation that shaped international relations well into the 20th century.

Related terms

Legislation:

The process of making or enacting laws that govern a society, often essential for establishing formal rules and structures.

Colonization:

The act of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area, often leading to significant cultural and economic changes.

Diplomacy:

The practice of managing international relations through negotiations and dialogue, often establishing alliances or treaties.