Control

Definition

Control refers to the ability to direct, manage, or regulate people, resources, and territories to achieve specific goals. In various historical contexts, this concept has shaped political power dynamics, economic practices, and societal structures, reflecting the interests of those in authority and impacting the lives of individuals and communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Age of Exploration, European powers sought control over vast territories through colonization, establishing empires that spanned continents and facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas.
2. Technological advancements since 1914 have dramatically changed how control is exerted in society, with tools like surveillance technology enabling governments and corporations to monitor and manage populations more effectively.
3. Decolonization in the mid-20th century involved former colonies reclaiming control over their governance and resources, leading to significant political and social changes as newly independent nations sought to establish their identity.
4. New monarchies from 1450 to 1648 utilized centralized power and bureaucratic systems to maintain control over their states, often diminishing the influence of feudal lords and enhancing royal authority.
5. Mercantilism established a system where states controlled trade and commerce to accumulate wealth, leading to competition among nations for resources and markets while promoting state intervention in economic activities.

Review Questions

• How did European powers use control during the Age of Exploration to expand their empires?
  • European powers employed a range of strategies to exert control during the Age of Exploration, including military conquest, establishing colonies, and engaging in trade monopolies. They justified their expansionist efforts through notions of superiority and civilization. By controlling territories and exploiting local resources, these powers were able to amass wealth and enhance their influence globally.
• What role did technological developments since 1914 play in changing methods of control by governments and institutions?
  • Technological developments since 1914 have transformed methods of control by providing new tools for surveillance and data management. For example, advancements in communication technologies enabled real-time monitoring of citizens while also facilitating propaganda efforts. Governments have increasingly relied on technology to manage public perception, maintain order, and exercise power more effectively, raising ethical questions about privacy and autonomy.
• Evaluate how the processes of decolonization reshaped control dynamics within newly independent nations.
  • The processes of decolonization fundamentally reshaped control dynamics within newly independent nations by allowing them to reclaim sovereignty over their political systems and economies. As former colonies sought to establish their identities and governance structures, they faced challenges such as internal conflict, foreign intervention, and economic dependency on former colonial powers. This transition required balancing local interests with external pressures, ultimately leading to diverse outcomes regarding stability, governance, and social cohesion in the post-colonial world.

Related terms

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring control over another country or territory, often involving the subjugation of its people and the exploitation of its resources.

Sovereignty:

The authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions free from external interference, crucial for maintaining control over its territory.

Imperialism:

A policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence over other nations or territories, often through military force or economic dominance.