Colonialism is a historical practice and policy in which a powerful nation establishes, exploits, and maintains control over weaker territories or nations, often with the aim of expanding its economic, political, and cultural influence. It has been a recurring theme throughout human history, with various civilizations engaging in the practice over thousands of years. Colonialism can be broadly divided into two main phases: the early colonial period (15th to early 19th centuries) and the modern colonial period (late 19th to mid-20th centuries). 1. **Early Colonial Period**: This phase began with the European Age of Exploration in the 15th century, when European powers such as Spain, Portugal, Britain, France, and the Netherlands started to explore and establish colonies across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The primary motivations for this expansion included trade, the spread of Christianity, and competition for resources and political influence among European nations. During this period, European powers engaged in the Atlantic slave trade, which forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas. 2. **Modern Colonial Period**: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of new imperialist powers, including Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Japan, who sought to establish or expand their empires. This period is also known as the "Scramble for Africa," as European powers competed to colonize African territories. In addition to Africa, this era saw further colonial expansion in Asia and the Pacific. The motivations for modern colonialism included economic exploitation, strategic competition, and the belief in European superiority, often expressed through ideas like the "[[White Man's Burden]]." Colonialism has had profound and lasting effects on the colonized territories and their people, with consequences that are still felt today. The colonizing powers often exploited the resources and labor of the colonized, disrupted indigenous cultures and societies, and imposed their own political, economic, and social systems. The legacy of colonialism has also led to ongoing struggles for national identity, political autonomy, and economic development in many formerly colonized countries. Colonialism began to decline after World War II, as colonized nations fought for and gained their independence. The process of decolonization occurred over several decades, with the majority of colonies gaining independence by the 1960s and 1970s. However, the impact of colonialism continues to shape global politics, economics, and cultural relations to this day. See also: [[World War II Timeline]]