Colonialism
Definition
Colonialism is the practice of a powerful country directly controlling and settling in foreign territories, often exploiting their resources and influencing their culture.
Analogy
Think of colonialism like a big fish in a pond. The big fish (the colonizing power) swims into smaller ponds (other countries or regions), takes over the space, eats up the resources, and changes the environment to suit its needs.
Related terms
Imperialism: This is when a country extends its influence through diplomacy or military force. It's similar to colonialism but doesn't always involve direct control or settlement.
Neocolonialism: This term refers to indirect forms of control that former colonial powers maintain over their colonies after independence, often through economic pressures.
Settler Colonies: These are colonies where large numbers of people from the colonizing power settle permanently, often displacing indigenous populations.
"Colonialism" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (17)
All the following political processes have played a role in the formation of modern states EXCEPT: supranationalism, colonialism, devolution, balkanization.
How did colonialism impact food diffusion globally?
How did colonialism primarily influence African cultural diffusion in terms of language?
Which former European empire was known for using colonialism to spread its influence globally during the Age of Exploration?
How does colonialism predominantly affect current political boundaries?
Which event demonstrates the alteration of political boundaries due to colonialism?
How did colonialism impact cultural diffusion?
How did colonialism affect cultural diffusion globally?
How did colonialism contribute to the spread of Christianity in Africa?
What role did colonialism play in shaping religious landscapes in Sub-Saharan Africa?
What pairings best demonstrate how colonialism has shaped modern state boundaries?
What pair best represents instances where colonialism drastically altered existing forms of governance?
Which conflict demonstrates the impact of colonialism on territorial disputes and challenges to sovereignty?
What historical example demonstrates the impact of colonialism on the global agricultural system?
What city is an example of the impact of colonialism on urban development in South America?
Which urban model best represents cities in developing countries where colonialism has heavily influenced urban design?
Which theory emphasizes the role of colonialism and imperialism in shaping global trade patterns?
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