How many people know what a protectorate is? Probably not so much. Indeed, today this word is practically not used, except in historical films and books. However, some 200 years ago, everyone knew its significance. And therefore, let us plunge into the depths of history and try to understand what a protectorate is.
A special form of government
A protectorate is a special form of government, in which one country recognizes the supremacy of another over itself. And although the former retains most of its rights and powers, its sovereignty is no longer considered absolute.
A semi-colonial form of government is what the protectorate is. If we analyze the internal structure of such relations, then the states are divided into two categories: protectorate (dependent country) and protector (dominant power).
What can be the relationship between such states?
To begin with, the state-protector (from Latin protector - defender) takes responsibility for the future of another country. In this regard, a number of powers are transferred to him, allowing to control both the domestic and foreign policies of the protectorate. Moreover, most important decisions in the protectorate were made only with the permission of the Lord Protector.
As for the subordinate state, it functions on the basis of autonomy. That is, there is its own power, culture and economy. Yes, and minor problems and political issues can be solved without the permission of the tread.
Examples of what a protectorate is in history
This form of government first appeared in the middle of the 17th century, in England. It was then that the title of Lord Protector was introduced in this country. However, the heyday of the protectorate era fell on the 18th-19th centuries, when Europe began to colonize countries in Africa and Asia. For example, the French protectorate was Madagascar (1885-1896). She also knew well what the protectorate was, Korea, since for 5 years (from 1905 to 1910) it was under the yoke of Japan.