King Leopold's Ghost, Chapters 1-2 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What do Porters do?

They carry items for others. (correct)

They build ships.

They report news from foreign countries.

They plant crops.

What is the definition of Foreign Correspondents?

Someone who is a reporter and writes from another country.

What does Deserted mean?

Empty of people.

What does zeal refer to?

A lot of enthusiasm when pursuing something. Signup and view all the answers

What is virtue?

Behavior showing high moral standards. Signup and view all the answers

What is an expedition?

A journey or voyage that has a specific purpose such as science or exploration. Signup and view all the answers

What does solace mean?

Comfort in a time of great sadness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Scramble for Africa?

Occupation, dividing & colonizing of African territory by European powers from 1881-1914. Signup and view all the answers

Who was David Livingstone?

A popular British hero; was a Protestant missionary, explorer, & anti-slavery crusader. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Royal Geographical Society?

Britain's group that studied geography & maps; founded in 1830. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Trans-Mediterranean Telegraph Cable?

A cable that allowed near instant communication via Morse code. Signup and view all the answers

What is a steamship?

A ship that is powered by a steam engine. Signup and view all the answers

What does altruistic mean?

Being unselfish. Signup and view all the answers

What is a patron?

Giving financial support to a person or cause. Signup and view all the answers

What is veneer?

A thin, decorative covering. Signup and view all the answers

What does foil mean?

Prevent something from succeeding. Signup and view all the answers

What is totalitarianism?

A system of government with a centralized dictator that requires subservience to the state. Signup and view all the answers

What does baroque refer to?

European style of architecture from the 17th & 18th century that had intricate and complex patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What is a chateau?

A large country house or castle; basically a rich person's vacation spot. Signup and view all the answers

What is the capital city of Belgium?

Brussels. Signup and view all the answers

What is Parliament?

The highest law-making body of Britain. Signup and view all the answers

What does Constitutional Monarch mean?

A king/queen whose power is restrained by a parliament or laws. Signup and view all the answers

What does Eurocentric mean?

Focusing on European culture or history by excluding the rest of the world. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Suez Canal?

Built between 1859 & 1869, it allowed watercraft to travel between the Atlantic & Indian oceans. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Cecil Rhodes?

A British businessman who gained large control of the diamond industry in South Africa. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Vocabulary and Concepts

Porters: Individuals hired to carry goods; pivotal in trade and exploration, especially in colonial contexts.
Foreign Correspondents: Journalists who report from outside their home country, crucial in relaying international events to a broader audience.
Deserted: Refers to places devoid of human presence, often symbolizing loss, neglect, or the impact of colonization.
Zeal: Intense passion or enthusiasm, particularly in pursuing causes such as exploration, colonization, or missionary work.
Virtue: Actions representative of high moral standards, often idealized in historical narratives to contrast with the realities of colonization.
Expedition: A purposeful journey, typically for exploration or scientific study, often associated with colonial endeavors.
Solace: The comfort sought during periods of grief or distress; can reflect the emotional responses of individuals affected by colonization.

Historical and Geopolitical Context

Scramble for Africa: The intense competition among European powers (1881-1914) for the control and colonization of African territories, reflecting imperial ambitions.
David Livingstone: A key figure in Victorian Britain; known for his missionary work and exploration, contributing to the narrative of European superiority and colonial legitimacy.
Royal Geographical Society: Established in 1830, it played a significant role in advancing geographical knowledge and exploration, often celebrating colonial achievements.
Trans-Mediterranean Telegraph Cable: Revolutionized long-distance communication via Morse code, enhancing European control and coordination over colonies.
Steamship: This technological advancement facilitated quicker and more efficient transportation, playing a significant role in trade, exploration, and military might during the colonial era.

Sociopolitical Structures and Ideologies

Altruistic: The concept of selflessness often used in justifying humanitarian missions during colonial expansions despite underlying motives.
Patron: Individuals or organizations that provide financial support; significant in the context of funding exploration and colonial ventures.
Veneer: Represents superficial attractions or justifications for actions that may conceal an exploitative underlying reality, particularly in colonial contexts.
Foil: To obstruct; refers to actions taken against movements or policies that threaten the interests of colonial powers.
Totalitarianism: A political system characterized by centralized authority, often present in colonial administrations that suppress dissent and enforce control.

Cultural and Architectural Significance

Baroque: A prominent style in European architecture characterized by ornate designs; reflects the cultural aspirations during the colonial period.
Chateau: Large residences or country houses often belonging to the wealthy; symbolize the leisure and lifestyle of the imperial class.

Geographical References

Brussels: The capital of Belgium, significant as a center of European politics and colonial administration.
Parliament: The legislative body in Britain, reflecting the governance structures that influenced colonial policy and practice.
Constitutional Monarch: A monarch whose powers are limited by law and legislative bodies, significant in understanding governance in colonial contexts.
Eurocentric: A perspective that prioritizes European culture and history, often at the expense of understanding global contexts, reflecting colonial attitudes.
Suez Canal: An essential waterway completed in 1869; drastically reduced travel time for trade between Europe and Asia, impacting colonial economies and strategies.

Key Individuals

Cecil Rhodes: A prominent British imperialist and businessman whose ambitions in South Africa exemplified the merger of capitalism and colonialism aimed at spreading British influence.

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Dive into the key terms found in Chapters 1 and 2 of 'King Leopold's Ghost'. This flashcard quiz will help reinforce your understanding of essential vocabulary such as 'porters', 'foreign correspondents', and more. Perfect for students studying the historical context and literature of this impactful book.