Colonialism
Colonialism is a term that usually refers to the rule of a group of people by a foreign power. The people and their land make up a colony. Most colonies are separated by an ocean from the ruling nation. The foreign power sends people to live in the colony, to govern it, and to use it as a source of wealth. The rulers and the people of most colonies belong to different ethnic groups. The rulers also have a more advanced technology than do the people of most colonies.
Today, most colonial empires have long since broken up. Most colonies in Latin America fought for and won their independence in the 1700's and early 1800's. Many colonies won their independence in the mid-1900's. Three factors helped bring this about. First, the European nations had been weakened by World War II (1939-1945). In addition, many people had come to oppose colonialism as unjust. Finally, nationalist feelings and demands for self-government had been growing among most colonies in Africa and Asia. Some of these colonies gained independence peacefully. Others became independent only after fighting a war against their ruler.
A revolt against French rule began in Indochina in 1946 and did not end until 1954, when the French withdrew after suffering heavy losses. Also in 1954, a revolution broke out in Algeria, a French territory in Africa. The fighting there continued until 1962, when Algeria became independent. France has peacefully granted independence to most of its other possessions.
The people of India played an increasing part in their government from 1918 to 1939, the period between World War I and World War II. India gained independence from Britain in 1947. Its successful change from colony to nation led Britain to grant independence to other colonies.
France, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and other nations still govern a few overseas areas. However, most nations do not officially call such areas colonies. The United Kingdom, for example, calls them dependencies. The United States governs a number of overseas areas, including American Samoa, Guam, and various other Pacific islands; Puerto Rico; and the Virgin Islands.
Excerpt adapted from the "Colonialism" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999