The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

colonialism

IPA:

Dictionary definition of colonialism

The policy or practice of acquiring, maintaining, and expanding control over territories that are politically and economically controlled by a foreign power.
"The history of Africa is marked by the impacts of colonialism."

Detailed meaning of colonialism

Colonialism often involves the settlement of people from the colonizing country in the colony, as well as the exploitation of the colony's resources and labor. Colonialism has been practiced throughout history, but the term is most commonly associated with the European colonization of the Americas, Africa, and Asia that took place during the 15th to 20th centuries. The effects of colonialism on the colonized peoples were devastating, including the loss of culture, lives, land, resources, and self-rule.

Example sentences containing colonialism

1. The book analyzes the lasting effects of colonialism on indigenous cultures.
2. The colonialism brought new technologies, languages and religions to the colonized territories.
3. Many countries are still grappling with the legacies of colonialism.
4. His research focuses on the era of British colonialism in India.
5. The museum exhibition depicts life during the times of Spanish colonialism.
6. The impact of colonialism on global trade is undeniable.

History and etymology of colonialism

The noun 'colonialism' has its etymological roots in the word 'colony,' which is derived from the Latin 'colonia.' In ancient Rome, a 'colonia' referred to a settlement or community established in a newly conquered territory, often by Roman citizens. The term 'colonialism' itself gained prominence during the European expansion and exploration era. It denotes the policy or practice of acquiring, maintaining, and expanding control over territories, typically in distant regions, that are politically and economically controlled by a foreign power. This practice of establishing colonies, which dates back to antiquity but reached its zenith during the Age of Exploration, led to the formation of empires and had profound historical and geopolitical implications. So, when we speak of 'colonialism' today, we recognize its historical connection to the establishment and expansion of foreign-controlled territories.

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Further usage examples of colonialism

1. The study explores the environmental consequences of colonialism.
2. The course covers the literature produced during the period of French colonialism.
3. The effects of colonialism are still felt in the social structure of many nations.
4. The remnants of Dutch colonialism are evident in the architecture of the city.
5. The struggle against colonialism defined much of the 20th century.
6. Colonialism led to the introduction of European languages in many parts of the world.
7. The nation's art scene has been influenced by its past of Portuguese colonialism.
8. The era of colonialism had profound impacts on educational systems worldwide.
9. His documentary sheds light on the harsh realities of colonialism.
10. Colonialism has left a deep imprint on the country's political landscape.
11. The book investigates the role of women during the period of American colonialism.
12. The vestiges of colonialism remain visible in our city's infrastructure.
13. The colonialism era reshaped the cultural dynamics of many regions.
14. The influences of colonialism are deeply ingrained in our society.