Colonial era

Definition

The colonial era refers to a period when European powers established colonies outside of their own territories in order to exploit resources, establish control, and expand their empires.

Related terms

Mercantilism: Mercantilism is an economic system where colonies existed solely for the benefit of the mother country by providing raw materials and serving as markets for finished goods.

Imperialism: Imperialism is a policy or ideology of extending a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or by establishing economic and political dominance over other nations.

Decolonization: Decolonization refers to the process by which colonies gained independence from their colonizers, often leading to the establishment of new nation-states.