European colonial powers refer to the countries in Europe that established colonies and exerted control over territories in other parts of the world during the period of exploration and colonization.
Related terms
Colonization: The process by which a country establishes settlements and controls other territories outside its own borders.
Mercantilism: An economic system where colonies were seen as sources of raw materials for the mother country and markets for finished goods.
Imperialism: A policy or ideology where a strong nation extends its power and influence over weaker nations or territories.