Contemporary world map
shows the political boundaries of ~200 countries.
Self determination
the freedom of culturally distinct groups to govern themselves in their own territories and form their own states
their desired outcome is recognition of the will of the people and the formation of a sovereign state
Core area
a small territorial nucleus from which a country grows in area over time
(usually formed in locations possessing attractive resources (timber/fertile soils)
Examples of a Core Area
France expanded from a small area around the capital city of Paris to its current much larger territory
escarpments
abrupt slopes that break up the general community of the terrain
Manifest Destiny
belief that the U.S was divinely ordained to expand its dominion and spread across the North American continent.
effective sovereignty
the idea that a state’s power to enforce its sovereignty may extend beyond its territory (varies from country to country)
colonialism
the centuries-long process of European countries competing among themselves to conquer/control people and their territories worldwide.
Effects of colonialism and Imperialism on States
- the creation of new patterns of interaction among the conquered populations
- independence movements/devolution
imperialism
the relationship whereby wealthy countries dominate poor countries by controlling their economic, political, and cultural systems.
