European Colonialism refers to the historical process by which various European nations established colonies and trading posts throughout the world. This era, which spanned from the 15th century to the mid-20th century, profoundly shaped global politics, economics, culture, and demographics.
The origins of European Colonialism can be traced back to the Age of Discovery, when explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama set sail in search of new trade routes to Asia, inadvertently discovering the Americas and establishing routes to the East. The motivations behind colonialism were multifaceted:
During this period, Spain and Portugal dominated colonial efforts. Spain's conquests in the Americas led to the establishment of vast territories like New Spain (Mexico) and Peru, while Portugal focused on Brazil and the spice trade in India and Southeast Asia.
This era saw an increase in colonial competition among European powers, including Britain, France, and Netherlands. Colonies were viewed as sources of raw materials and markets for manufactured goods. The British Empire began its expansion, leading to significant control over North America, Africa, and parts of Asia.
The late 19th century saw an intense phase of colonialism known as the Scramble for Africa. European powers divided Africa among themselves at the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, with little regard for ethnic or linguistic boundaries, leading to long-lasting political and cultural impacts.
Post-World War II, a wave of decolonization swept through the former colonies. This was influenced by:
The effects of European Colonialism are still evident today: