Colonisation

Basics of Colonisation 

• ​Colonialism refers to the practice where a powerful nation establishes control over foreign territories, aiming to exploit their resources, labor, and markets for economic gain.
• This often involves the subjugation of indigenous populations and the imposition of the colonizer’s culture, language, and political systems.

Causes of Colonialism:

• Economic Motives: The Industrial Revolution created a demand for raw materials and new markets, prompting European powers to seek colonies rich in resources.
• Strategic Interests: Control over strategic locations, such as trade routes and naval bases, was vital for maintaining and expanding global influence.
• Cultural and Religious Factors: A desire to spread Christianity and Western cultural values often accompanied colonial endeavors.

Impacts of Colonialism

• Economic Exploitation: Colonizers extracted resources and wealth from colonies, leading to economic disparities and underdevelopment in the colonized regions.
• Cultural Assimilation: Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions were often suppressed or replaced by those of the colonizers.
• Political Subjugation: Colonized regions were denied self-governance, with political systems imposed by the colonizers, disrupting existing social structures.

Pic Credit – Wikimedia Commons

Pic Credit – Wikimedia Commons