Write detailed answer about the nature of European colonialism with the help of following points:(a) Meaning of colonialism(b) Causes of colonialism(c) Consequences of colonialism

Answer:

(a) Meaning: Colonialism means the policy of a powerful nation establishing its political, economic and cultural control over another, weaker region, settling its people there or ruling it, and using its resources for its own benefit.

(b) Causes:

• The Industrial Revolution created a need for cheap raw material and new markets for factory goods.
• Surplus capital in Europe looked for profitable investment abroad.
• Geographical discoveries and better ships and weapons made it possible to reach and conquer distant lands.
• Nationalism and competition among European nations, the wish to spread Christianity and the idea of the ‘White Man’s Burden’ also encouraged colonialism.

(c) Consequences:

• Colonies were economically exploited; their wealth was drained to Europe and local industries were ruined.
• Local people lost political freedom, and racial discrimination increased; native populations in America and Australia were nearly wiped out.
• Western education, railways, modern administration and new ideas reached the colonies.
• Competition for colonies created rivalry among European nations, which led to the World Wars; in the colonies, nationalism arose and finally led to decolonisation.