Question

Explain the meaning of colonialism.

Write detailed answer about the nature of European colonialism with the help of following point:

Meaning of colonialism

Answer 1

1. The act of a developed nation occupying the land of a less developed, distant nation and establishing their rule on the occupied country is known as ‘colonialism’.
2. Colonialism indeed gives rise to political and economic slavery but it also causes psychological slavery.
3. Europeans traveled all over the world with varied goals, such as the desire for adventure, to make a name for themselves, to discover uncharted areas, to look for gold mines, and so on. Later, trade and commerce developed dramatically, and European countries began to compete with one another.
4. Wherever Europeans went, they founded colonies. They competed for economic, social, and political supremacy. Extreme nationalism, a sense of racial superiority, industrialization, an aggressive approach, and other elements all contributed to the rise of colonialism. Europeans traveled to America, Australia, and New Zealand.
5. They discovered that the climate in these locations was suitable for them. However, they had a difficult time adjusting to the Asian climate. Regardless of climatic conditions, Europeans evicted indigenous people on their own territory. The British, Dutch, Portuguese, and French all invented various methods for demoralising indigenous populations.