Colonialism

Definition

Colonialism is the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. It involves the establishment and maintenance of colonies in one territory by a political power from another territory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Colonialism was a key driver of the global economy in the 16th-20th centuries, as European powers sought to expand their political and economic influence worldwide.
2. The colonial system was characterized by the extraction of raw materials, agricultural products, and labor from colonies to benefit the colonizing country's economy.
3. Colonialism often involved the displacement and subjugation of indigenous populations, leading to cultural assimilation, exploitation, and in many cases, genocide.
4. The legacy of colonialism continues to shape global power dynamics, economic inequalities, and political tensions between former colonial powers and their colonies.
5. Decolonization movements in the 20th century led to the independence of many former colonies, but the effects of colonial rule continue to be felt in the postcolonial world.

Review Questions

• Explain how colonialism influenced the development of the global economy in the 16th-20th centuries.
  • Colonialism was a key driver of the global economy during this period, as European powers sought to expand their political and economic influence worldwide. The colonial system was characterized by the extraction of raw materials, agricultural products, and labor from colonies to benefit the colonizing country's economy. This led to the development of global trade networks, the exploitation of natural resources, and the accumulation of wealth and power by the colonial powers, often at the expense of the colonized populations.
• Describe the impact of colonialism on indigenous populations and the lasting effects of colonial rule.
  • Colonialism often involved the displacement and subjugation of indigenous populations, leading to cultural assimilation, exploitation, and in many cases, genocide. The legacy of colonialism continues to shape global power dynamics, economic inequalities, and political tensions between former colonial powers and their colonies. Decolonization movements in the 20th century led to the independence of many former colonies, but the effects of colonial rule continue to be felt in the postcolonial world, as former colonies struggle to overcome the social, political, and economic challenges left by their colonial pasts.
• Analyze the relationship between colonialism, mercantilism, and the development of the international political economy.
  • Colonialism and mercantilism were closely linked, as colonial powers often used mercantilist policies to maximize the economic benefits of their colonies. Mercantilist policies, such as trade restrictions and protectionism, were designed to ensure that the colonies' resources and markets were controlled by the colonizing country, rather than being open to global competition. This allowed the colonial powers to accumulate wealth and power, while limiting the economic opportunities of the colonized populations. The interplay between colonialism and mercantilism was a key driver of the development of the international political economy, as it shaped global trade patterns, power dynamics, and the distribution of resources and wealth.

Related terms

Imperialism:

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Mercantilism:

An economic policy that promotes the interests of the state over those of individual citizens, often through trade restrictions and protectionism.

Exploitation: The act of using something or someone, especially unfairly for one's own advantage.