Catalyst
Definition
A catalyst is an event or factor that sparks or accelerates a particular process or change. In this context, it refers to the specific trigger that caused European powers to engage in increased competition for overseas colonies.
Analogy
Imagine you're at a party and there's a sudden burst of upbeat music. The catalyst for everyone starting to dance and compete with their moves was the DJ switching from slow songs to energetic ones.
Related terms
Colonization: The act of establishing settlements or control over foreign lands. It usually involves exploiting resources, establishing trade routes, and exerting political influence.
Mercantilism: An economic theory prevalent during this time period that emphasized accumulating wealth through trade, especially by exporting more than importing. It supported colonial expansion as a means of securing valuable resources.
Exploration: The act of venturing into unknown territories for various purposes such as discovering new trade routes, claiming new lands, spreading religious beliefs, or gaining knowledge about different cultures.
"Catalyst" appears in:
Subjects (6)
Practice Questions (7)
What catalyst led to increased competition among European powers for overseas colonies in the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?
Which invention was a major catalyst for the Second Industrial Revolution in Europe?
Who is considered the catalyst for unifying Germany in the 19th century?
Which philosophical idea gained popularity following the French Revolution and acted as a catalyst for political change across Europe?
Which event during this period could be considered a catalyst for both enhancing nationalistic sentiments within countries involved in World War I and growing disillusionment with Tsarist rule among Russians?
Which event is widely regarded as the catalyst for a new phase of globalization in late 20th century Europe?
Which war acted as a catalyst for Germany's unification?
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