Conquest vs. War — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 13, 2024
Conquest involves the act of gaining control over a territory or people, often through military force. War is a state of armed conflict between nations, states, or groups.
Difference Between Conquest and War
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Conquest is a goal-oriented process, typically aimed at territorial expansion or subjugation of a population, where success is marked by the effective control or annexation of territories. War, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses the entire spectrum of armed conflict, from skirmishes and battles to prolonged engagements, without necessarily culminating in conquest.
While conquest often results from war as one party seeks to dominate another, not all wars lead to conquest. Some wars are fought for reasons other than territorial gain, such as political ideologies, religion, or independence. Conversely, conquest is specifically focused on the acquisition and control of territories or resources.
Conquest usually implies a degree of success in subjugating a territory or people, suggesting a change in control or governance. War, however, does not imply a change in sovereignty or control and can end without any significant shifts in power dynamics, highlighting the difference in outcomes between the two.
The aftermath of conquest often involves the integration or assimilation of the conquered people and territories into the conqueror's domain, involving significant cultural, social, and political changes. The aftermath of war, while it can include conquest, might also result in treaties, reparations, or changes in international relations without territorial changes.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Act of gaining control over territory or people
State of armed conflict between groups
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Primary Aim
Territorial expansion or subjugation
Can vary: territorial, ideological, etc.
Outcome
Change in sovereignty or control
May or may not change sovereignty
Process
Often a result of war
Encompasses entire spectrum of conflict
Aftermath
Integration or assimilation
Can include treaties, reparations
Compare with Definitions
Conquest
The act of gaining control over a territory or people, typically through military force.
The conquest of the Aztec Empire by the Spaniards drastically changed the region's history.
War
A state of armed conflict between nations, states, or groups.
The war lasted for years, causing widespread devastation.
Conquest
Aimed at territorial expansion or domination.
The king's conquests expanded the kingdom's borders significantly.
War
Does not necessarily result in a change of sovereignty.
The war ended with a peace treaty but no significant territorial changes.
Conquest
Often achieved through war or military campaigns.
The general's successful conquests were celebrated throughout the empire.
War
Can lead to treaties, reparations, or changes in international relations.
The war's aftermath was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
Conquest
Results in a change in sovereignty or control.
The conquest led to the establishment of a new ruling dynasty in the region.
War
Can be fought for various reasons, including territory, ideology, or independence.
The war was ignited by disputes over land and resources.
Conquest
Involves the integration of the conquered into the conqueror's domain.
The aftermath of the conquest included the assimilation of local cultures and traditions.
War
Encompasses all forms of armed conflict, from skirmishes to prolonged engagements.
The war involved numerous battles and sieges across the continent.
Conquest
Conquest is the act of military subjugation of an enemy by force of arms. Military history provides many examples of conquest: the Roman conquest of Gaul, the Mauryan conquest of Afghanistan and of vast areas of the Indian subcontinent, the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire and various Arab conquests, all of which were successful in bringing foreign states under the conquerors' control.
War
War is an intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary groups such as mercenaries, insurgents, and militias. It is generally characterized by extreme violence, aggression, destruction, and mortality, using regular or irregular military forces.
Conquest
The act or process of conquering
The Spanish conquest of Mexico.
The conquest of an infectious disease.
The conquest of shyness.
War
A state of open, armed, often prolonged conflict carried on between nations, states, or parties.
Conquest
Something, such as territory, acquired by conquering.
War
The period of such conflict.
Conquest
A person or group whose affection or admiration has been gained
The pianist made a conquest of every audience on the tour.
War
The techniques and procedures of war; military science.
Conquest
A person who has been seduced by another.
War
A condition of active antagonism or contention
A war of words.
A price war.
Conquest
Victory gained through combat; the subjugation of an enemy.
War
A concerted effort or campaign to combat or put an end to something considered injurious
The war against acid rain.
Conquest
An act or instance of overcoming an obstacle.
War
To wage or carry on warfare.
Conquest
That which is conquered; possession gained by force, physical or moral.
War
To be in a state of hostility or rivalry; contend.
Conquest
The acquiring of property by other means than by inheritance; acquisition.
War
(uncountable) Organized, large-scale, armed conflict between countries or between national, ethnic, or other sizeable groups, usually but not always involving active engagement of military forces.
Conquest
(archaic) To conquer.
War
(countable) A particular conflict of this kind.
Conquest
(marketing) To compete with an established competitor by placing advertisements for one's own products adjacent to editorial content relating to the competitor or by using terms and keywords for one's own products that are currently associated with the competitor.
War
Protracted armed conflict against irregular forces, particularly groups considered terrorists.
Conquest
The act or process of conquering, or acquiring by force; the act of overcoming or subduing opposition by force, whether physical or moral; subjection; subjugation; victory.
In joys of conquest he resigns his breath.
Three years sufficed for the conquest of the country.
War
Protracted conflict, particularly
Conquest
That which is conquered; possession gained by force, physical or moral.
Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?
War
Campaigns against various social problems.
Conquest
The acquiring of property by other means than by inheritance; acquisition.
War
(business) A protracted instance of fierce competition in trade.
Conquest
The act of gaining or regaining by successful struggle; as, the conquest of liberty or peace.
War
(crime) A prolonged conflict between two groups of organized criminals, usually over organizational or territorial control.
Conquest
The act of conquering
War
(Internet) An argument between two or more people with opposing opinions on a topic or issue.
Flame war... edit war...
Conquest
Success in mastering something difficult;
The conquest of space
War
An assembly of weapons; instruments of war.
War
(obsolete) Armed forces.
War
(intransitive) To engage in conflict (may be followed by "with" to specify the foe).
War
(transitive) To carry on, as a contest; to wage.
War
Ware; aware.
War
A condition of belligerency to be maintained by physical force. In this sense, levying war against the sovereign authority is treason.
War
Instruments of war.
His complement of stores, and total war.
War
Forces; army.
On their embattled ranks the waves return,And overwhelm their war.
War
The profession of arms; the art of war.
Thou art but a youth, and he is a man of war from his youth.
War
A state of opposition or contest; an act of opposition; an inimical contest, act, or action; enmity; hostility.
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart.
War
To make war; to invade or attack a state or nation with force of arms; to carry on hostilities; to be in a state by violence.
Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it.
Why should I war without the walls of Troy?
Our countrymen were warring on that day!
War
To contend; to strive violently; to fight.
War
To make war upon; to fight.
To war the Scot, and borders to defend.
War
To carry on, as a contest; to wage.
That thou . . . mightest war a good warfare.
War
A legal state created by a declaration of war and ended by official declaration during which the international rules of war apply;
War was declared in November but actual fighting did not begin until the following spring
War
An active struggle between competing entities;
A price war
A war of wits
Diplomatic warfare
War
A concerted campaign to end something that is injurious;
The war on poverty
The war against crime
War
Make or wage war
Common Curiosities
What happens to the conquered people in a conquest?
Conquered people may be integrated or assimilated into the conqueror's domain, undergoing cultural, social, and political changes.
What distinguishes conquest from war?
Conquest is the act of gaining control over a territory or people, often a result of war, while war is a broader term for armed conflict between groups.
Is conquest always the result of war?
While conquest often results from war, it can also occur through other means, such as diplomacy or coercion.
Do all wars lead to conquest?
Not all wars lead to conquest; many end with treaties or without significant territorial changes.
Can there be conquest without war?
Yes, conquest can occur through non-military means like diplomacy, marriage alliances, or economic pressure.
How does the aftermath of war differ from conquest?
The aftermath of war can vary widely and may include treaties, reparations, or no change, whereas conquest often leads to the integration of territories and peoples.
Can a war result in conquest?
Yes, wars can result in conquest when one party successfully gains control over another's territory.
What role does ideology play in war?
Ideology can be a significant driver of war, motivating conflict over differing beliefs, values, or political systems.
Are the terms 'conquest' and 'colonization' interchangeable?
While related, conquest and colonization differ; colonization often involves settlement and economic control, while conquest is focused on territorial domination.
What is a 'just war' in the context of conquest?
A 'just war' refers to a conflict deemed morally or legally justified, which can influence the perceived legitimacy of a conquest.
How do the outcomes of conquest and war differ?
Conquest implies a change in control or sovereignty, while war may end without altering territorial or political boundaries.
How do cultural differences impact the process of conquest?
Cultural differences can influence the resistance, assimilation, or integration of conquered peoples and the overall success of the conquest.
How do modern wars differ from historical conquests?
Modern wars often involve advanced technology and international laws affecting conduct and consequences, while historical conquests were more focused on territorial expansion.
What role do international organizations play in preventing conquest?
International organizations work to prevent conquest through diplomacy, sanctions, and peacekeeping missions to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Can economic factors lead to war?
Yes, economic factors like resource scarcity, trade disputes, or economic sanctions can trigger armed conflicts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
