Legal Definitions - conquest

The term "conquest" carries different meanings depending on the legal context, primarily in international law and historically in property law.

1. In International Law:

Conquest refers to an act of force by which one country, during a state of war, occupies territory belonging to an enemy country with the explicit intention of permanently extending its own sovereignty over that territory. This intention is typically declared through official proclamations or other legal acts.

• Example A: During a major global conflict, Nation A successfully invades and occupies a resource-rich province of Nation B. Following the military victory, Nation A's government issues a formal decree stating that the captured province is now fully annexed and integrated into Nation A's sovereign territory, rather than being held as a temporary occupation. This action, involving forcible acquisition with the intent of permanent annexation, would be considered conquest under international law.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates conquest because Nation A not only seized territory by force during wartime but also declared its intention to permanently incorporate that territory into its own national domain, asserting full sovereignty.

• Example B: A powerful empire launches a military campaign against a neighboring kingdom, citing historical claims to certain border regions. After a decisive victory, the empire's ruler publicly announces that the conquered border territories are no longer part of the kingdom but are now new administrative districts of the empire, subject to its laws and governance. This declaration, backed by military force and aiming for permanent control, exemplifies conquest.

  Explanation: Here, the empire's actions demonstrate conquest by using military force to seize territory and then formally declaring its permanent absorption and extension of sovereignty over those lands.

2. Historically, in Property Law:

In historical legal contexts, particularly in feudal systems, "conquest" referred to any method of acquiring land or property other than through inheritance (descent). This could include purchasing land, receiving it as a gift, or obtaining it through other non-hereditary means. The term also referred to the land itself that was acquired in this manner.

• Example: In 15th-century England, a wealthy merchant, Master Thomas, used his accumulated fortune to buy a large manor and its surrounding lands from a financially struggling noble family. Since Master Thomas acquired this estate through purchase rather than inheriting it from his parents or other relatives, this transaction would have been legally described as a "conquest" by Master Thomas in the historical sense. The manor itself would also be referred to as his "conquest."

  Explanation: This example illustrates the historical meaning of conquest as the acquisition of property by any means other than inheritance, highlighting that it did not necessarily involve military force in this context, but rather a non-hereditary transfer of ownership.