Britannica AI Icon

colonialism

international relations
Also known as: colonization

Quick Summary

Colonialism is the domination of a people or area by a foreign state or nation, extending and maintaining political and economic control. This practice involves the exploitation of one people or area by another, often for economic gain. Historically, European powers engaged in colonialism, establishing colonies and controlling trade to benefit their own economies.1234

During the late 19th century, a period known as the "New Imperialism," there was an intensified push for territorial expansion by various European nations, as well as newcomers like Germany, the United States, and Japan. This expansion was fueled by technological advancements, industrialization, and a search for markets and raw materials.453

While direct rule was a hallmark of earlier colonialism, neocolonialism describes the continued indirect control of less-developed countries by developed nations through economic, financial, and trade policies, often involving multinational corporations and international institutions. This form of control perpetuates exploitation and dependency.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.