4 Summary of Session 2

This session has explored multiple aspects of power in the context of empires, including hard and soft power. Hard power involved using military and economic strength for domination or influence, while soft power used cultural and political tools and ideas to persuade or attract. Both forms could coexist and played roles in building and dismantling empires.

The case studies provided in this session included the conquest of Mexico by Hernán Cortés, where military force, diplomacy, and legal frameworks played crucial roles. The session has also highlighted how European racial ideologies, such as the notion of superior races, were used to justify colonialism. Additionally, you have looked at how cultural power was used by the Ottomans to solidify their rule through architecture and imperial philanthropy.

But power was not solely held by the colonisers; the colonised sometimes wielded power as well, raising questions about agency and cooperation. The session has encouraged you to think critically about these power dynamics and their implications for understanding historical and contemporary empires.

Session 3 will explore resistance to power as a pivotal aspect of imperial history, you can go to Session 3 [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] when you are ready.