Overseas Colonies
Definition
These are territories established and governed by a mother country in a foreign land, often across the ocean. They were primarily used for resource extraction and trade expansion.
Analogy
Think of overseas colonies like franchises of a popular fast-food chain. The main company (mother country) sets up branches (colonies) in different locations to expand its reach, increase profits, and gain more resources (like customers).
Related terms
Imperialism: This is the policy or ideology of extending a nation's rule over foreign nations, often by military force or by gaining political and economic control.
Mercantilism: An economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances, which a government should encourage by means of protectionism.
Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
"Overseas Colonies" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (5)
How did Portugal differ from Spain concerning their approach to overseas colonies during the Age of Exploration?
In which way did post-colonial theories critique Europe's overseas colonies' impact on demographics within Europe during the eighteenth century?
From a post-colonial perspective, how might one analyze Europe's overseas colonies established during this era?
What was a likely purpose for an English merchant writing about the growth and profitability of overseas colonies in the late-17th century?
Which technological innovation greatly sped up information exchange between Europe and its overseas colonies during the late 19th century?
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