Why Were So Many Countries Colonized By Europeans?
Colonialism has been an enduring force in the world that brought with it many dramatic changes. In this article, we will explore why so many countries were colonized by Europeans. Throughout the discussion, we will also assess how different factors made it possible for certain countries to assert control over those regions.
Definition of Colonialism and its Types
Colonialism, generally, is a term used to describe the domination of one country (colonizer) over a less powerful country or a region (colonized). The main purpose of colonialism is to acquire resources, political, and/or economic power. Colonialism is also associated with negative concepts such as exploitation, displacement, and cultural imperialism.
It can also be classified by its different types, including settler colonialism, imperialism, and indirect colonialism.
Settler colonialism is when the colonizers—usually motivated by economic and financial reasons—settle in the colonized lands and the Indigenous populations are either displaced or exterminated. Imperialism is an aggressive political and economic strategy that involves the political and economic domination of weaker nations. Lastly, indirect colonialism is when a colonizer exerts political and economic control from a distance.
Historical Context of European Colonialism
European colonialism only began in earnest in the 16th century. This period made up the era of European exploration, when explorers would set sail to distant lands to find new trade routes, new markets, and sources of materials. Over the course of the century, Europeans established outposts and colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
The Europeans had numerous motivations for their expansionism, ranging from religious and financial ambition, to a thirst for adventure and knowledge.
The New Global Trade and Mercantilism
The global trade played an essential role in colonialism, particularly with the concept of mercantilism. This was the idea that a country had to increase imports to increase the wealth of the nation, while at the same time limiting their exports to protect domestic manufacturing. This idea was in effect until the 19th century, when it began to be replaced with the modern day conception of free trade and open markets.
The imposition of this trade system, and the need to acquire power and resources, led to a competition between colonizers, primarily between European nations. This brought about a scramble for colonies as each nation vied to gain power and control.
Military Might
The Europeans had military advantages over other regions of the world, largely due to the technology, tactics, and guns. This allowed them to easily defeat and dominate indigenous peoples and impose their rule. The Military might of the Europeans was critical in their efforts to colonize and dominate other nations.
Political and Ideological Manifestations
The Europeans also brought about political and ideological changes at the same time. They imposed their own governmental system on the colonized countries, imposed new taxes, and carried out missions with the intent of promoting Christianity.
The Europeans also imposed their own set of cultural values and norms, such as religion, language, and laws, which completely replaced the existing structures in the colonized countries.
Legacy of European Colonialism
The legacy of European colonialism has had a lasting impact on the countries that were colonized. Many of the existing disparities and inequalities of the modern world can be traced back to the unequal power dynamics of colonialism.
Colonized countries endured displacement, enslavement, forced labor, political repression, suppression of Indigenous cultures, and extreme exploitation of resources. It also had a lasting impact on foreign relations between the countries of Europe and the colonized countries of the rest of the world.
Many countries were colonized by the Europeans in pursuit of wealth, military might, new trade, and power. This complex phenomenon of colonialism was made possible due to the sophisticated military technology, financial resources, and technological superiority of the Europeans. Although colonialism has left a legacy of inequality, it has also made the world smaller and more connected by introducing other religions, languages, and cultures.
