Colonization
Colonization
Overview
Colonization is a process of establishing control over foreign territories or peoples for the purpose of exploitation and possibly settlement, setting up coloniality and often colonies[^1^][3]. It is commonly pursued and maintained by colonialism[^1^][3].
Key Concepts
- Definition: Colonialism is defined as “control by one power over a dependent area or people.” It occurs when one nation subjugates another, conquering its population and exploiting it[^2^][1][^3^][2].
- Historical Context: From ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century, powerful countries openly scrambled to expand their influence through colonialism[^3^][2]. By the outbreak of World War I in 1914, European powers had colonized countries on virtually every continent[^3^][2].
- Modern Perspective: While colonialism is no longer so aggressively practiced, there is evidence that it remains a force in today’s world[^3^][2].
- Impact: Colonial powers typically attempt to impose their own languages and cultures on the indigenous peoples of the countries they colonize[^3^][2]. In many cases, being colonized gave underdeveloped or emerging countries immediate access to the burgeoning European trade market[^3^][2].