key term - Ivory, Minerals, and Diamonds

Definition

Ivory, minerals, and diamonds are valuable natural resources that became key commodities in global trade from 1750 to 1900. These resources were sought after for their economic value and played a significant role in shaping global economies, driving colonization, and influencing social dynamics during this period. Their extraction and trade had profound effects on various regions, particularly in Africa and Asia, as demand surged in European markets, leading to exploitation and conflicts over control of these precious resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The demand for ivory surged in the late 19th century due to its use in luxury items such as piano keys and billiard balls.
2. Minerals like gold, silver, and copper were critical to industrial development and fueled economic expansion in both colonizing and colonized nations.
3. Diamonds became a symbol of wealth and status during this time, particularly after the discovery of diamond mines in South Africa in the late 19th century.
4. The extraction of these resources often led to environmental degradation and severe social consequences for indigenous populations, including displacement and exploitation.
5. International trade in these commodities contributed to the rise of powerful trading companies that dominated global markets and influenced colonial policies.

Review Questions

• How did the demand for ivory, minerals, and diamonds influence colonial policies during the period from 1750 to 1900?
  • The increasing demand for ivory, minerals, and diamonds significantly influenced colonial policies as European powers sought to expand their territories to access these valuable resources. This drive led to the establishment of colonies in Africa and Asia where these commodities were abundant. The pursuit of these resources often justified colonial expansion under the guise of civilizing missions while simultaneously resulting in the exploitation of local populations and environmental degradation.
• Analyze the role that the Industrial Revolution played in shaping the trade of ivory, minerals, and diamonds during this era.
  • The Industrial Revolution drastically changed the economic landscape by increasing the demand for raw materials such as ivory, minerals, and diamonds. As industries grew and production methods advanced, manufacturers required these resources for various products. This heightened demand not only stimulated global trade networks but also prompted imperial powers to secure resource-rich territories through colonization, leading to increased competition and conflict over access to these valuable commodities.
• Evaluate the social implications of the extraction and trade of ivory, minerals, and diamonds on indigenous populations in colonized regions between 1750 and 1900.
  • The extraction and trade of ivory, minerals, and diamonds had profound social implications for indigenous populations in colonized regions. The influx of European traders often resulted in the disruption of local economies as traditional livelihoods were undermined. Many communities faced displacement due to mining operations or were forced into labor under harsh conditions. Additionally, these dynamics exacerbated social inequalities as wealth became concentrated in the hands of colonial powers while indigenous peoples suffered from exploitation and marginalization.

Related terms

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring control over foreign territories, often through military conquest or economic domination, leading to the exploitation of local resources and populations.

Industrial Revolution:

A period of significant technological advancement in the late 18th and early 19th centuries that increased the demand for raw materials like ivory, minerals, and diamonds for manufacturing and production.

Trade Networks:

The interconnected systems of exchange between different regions that facilitated the flow of goods, including ivory, minerals, and diamonds, contributing to economic globalization.