Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Colonialism refers to the practice of a powerful country extending its control over weaker territories or countries for economic, political, and social purposes.
Related terms
Imperialism: Imperialism is similar to colonialism but focuses more on the domination and control of one country by another through military force or political influence.
Decolonization: Decolonization refers to the process of undoing colonial rule and granting independence to colonized territories.
Neocolonialism: Neocolonialism describes the indirect form of control that powerful countries exert over weaker nations through economic, cultural, or political means.