Word
colonialism
Meanings
the policy or practice of controlling another territory, often by settling there and exploiting its resources and people
the wider historical system and ideology that justified and maintained imperial rule over other regions
Definition
Colonialism is the policy and practice of one country controlling and exploiting another territory and its people.
Colonialism refers to a system in which a powerful state takes control of a foreign land and governs it for its own benefit. It often involves settling people, taking resources, and reshaping local economies and institutions. It can also impose the colonizer’s language, culture, and political authority, usually without the consent of the local population.
Examples
- The course examined how colonialism reshaped borders, economies, and identities across several continents.
- In her novel, colonialism is shown through everyday rules that restrict movement, language, and education.
- They argued that modern trade patterns still reflect the unequal relationships created by colonialism.
- After the lecture, I realized how colonialism influenced not only politics but also architecture and public space.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse colonialism with imperialism; colonialism usually involves direct control of territory (often with settlement), while imperialism can be broader influence without settlement.
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