What is Colonialism?

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1. What is Colonialism?

Colonialism is a political and economic system in which one country takes control of another country or territory. The dominant country (colonizer) imposes its culture, values, and institutions on the subordinate country (colony), often resulting in the exploitation of the latter’s resources and inhabitants.

2. Short History

Colonialism has a long history that dates back to the ancient Greek and Roman empires. However, it was during the 16th century that colonialism began to take on the form that we recognize today: with European powers establishing colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

3. Motives

The motives for colonialism were varied, but they generally fell into two categories:

A. Economic

Colonial powers sought to control resources such as precious metals and spices, as well as establish trading routes that would enable them to dominate world commerce.

B. Strategic

In addition, they sought to establish strategic military bases that would allow them to project power and protect their own interests.

Landing of Columbus by John Vanderlyn (1847)

4. Effects

Colonialism had profound consequences for the people and cultures of the colonized territories. Colonial powers often imposed their own language, religion, and laws, which served to subjugate and marginalize the native populations. This led to the gradual destruction of indigenous cultures and traditions.


The economic impact of colonialism was also devastating. Colonial powers often extracted resources from their colonies at low cost and sold them at a high profit, depriving local populations of the benefits of their own resources. This disrupted local economies, leading to poverty, unemployment, and dependency.

Today the effects of colonialism are still felt in many parts of the world. Former colonies continue to struggle with the legacy of colonialism, including poverty, inequality, and political instability. Moreover, colonialism has left a lasting imprint on the cultures and identities of the colonized peoples, with many struggling to reclaim their traditions and heritage in the face of centuries of oppression and marginalization.

5. Criticisms

Critics of colonialism argue that it was a fundamentally unjust system that only enriched the few at the expense of the many. They point out that colonialism was driven by a sense of racial and cultural superiority, with European countries regarding their colonies as barbaric or inferior and in need of control and guidance. Moreover, critics argue that colonialism was often carried out through violent means, with colonizers using military force to subjugate and dominate their colonies.

Proponents of colonialism, on the other hand, argue that it brought economic and technological progress to the colonies, and helped spread European values and institutions around the world. They point to examples such as India, where British colonialism is credited with laying the foundations for democracy, rule of law, and a modern economy.

However, these arguments are often countered by critics who point out that any benefits of colonialism were outweighed by the costs, and that the exploitation and marginalization of native populations was an unacceptable price to pay for the spread of European values and institutions.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), Indian critic of colonialism

6. Conclusion

To conclude, colonialism is a political and economic system in which one country takes control of another for economic or strategic purposes. It involved the colonizer’s imposition of its own culture and institutions on its colony and often the exploitation of the latter’s resources and inhabitants.

Colonialism had profound negative consequences on their colonies such as the gradual destruction of the latter’s culture and their poverty and political instability. While proponents of colonialism argue that it brought progress and development to the world, critics point out that it was fundamentally unjust and exploitative.

The legacy of colonialism is still felt today, with former colonies struggling to overcome the cultural, economic, and political challenges left in its wake.

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