CAPITULATIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Capitulations refer to agreements or treaties between two or more nations, in which one country grants certain rights, privileges, or concessions to the citizens or subjects of the other country within its jurisdiction. These agreements are typically made by weaker nations with stronger and more influential powers or empires.
Historically, capitulations emerged during the colonial era, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, when European powers negotiated special arrangements with local rulers. The European powers, often referred to as the "capitulation powers," would provide their citizens residing in the region with a separate legal system that was independent of the local laws and courts. This allowed the citizens of these powers to enjoy various privileges and protections, such as exemption from local taxes, consular jurisdiction, and the ability to resolve legal matters through their own national courts.
Capitulations played a significant role in shaping the relationship between imperial powers and weak states, as they bolstered the influence and control of stronger nations over weaker ones. However, the practice of capitulations also sparked resentment among locals, who perceived these agreements as an infringement on their sovereignty and a form of unequal treatment.
Over time, the concept of capitulations became associated with imperialism, exploitation, and unequal treaties. As countries gained independence and colonialism waned, the practice of capitulations gradually faded away. Today, the term "capitulations" is primarily used in historical and legal contexts to describe these past agreements and their impact on international relations.
Common Misspellings for CAPITULATIONS
Etymology of CAPITULATIONS
The word "capitulations" has its etymology rooted in the Latin word "capitulatio", which means "a chapter or article". It later evolved into the verb form "capitulare", which meant "to make an agreement" or "to arrange terms".
During the Middle Ages, when various European powers entered into agreements and treaties with the Ottoman Empire, these agreements were known as "capitulations". The term referred to the specific articles or chapters of these agreements that outlined the rights and privileges granted to European merchants or residents in Ottoman territories.
Over time, "capitulations" became associated with these treaty arrangements, regardless of whether they were actually organized as chapters or articles. The term was eventually adopted into English and various other languages to describe these specific types of treaties and agreements with foreign powers.
Similar spelling words for CAPITULATIONS
- capitalistic,
- capitualtion,
- capitulate,
- capitalization,
- capitulary,
- capitalist,
- capitalism,
- capitalize,
- capitalisation,
- capitalise,
- capitulation.
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