World History: Meaning of Colonialism and Imperialism

The two words colonialism and imperialism have been used interchangeably however, colonialism is the practice of establishment, exploitation, maintenance, acquisition and expansion of colonies in one territory by people from another territory and imperialism is the idea driving the practice. The takeover of a country or territory by a stronger nation with the intent of dominating the political, economic, and social life of the people of that nation is called imperialism. In other words, Imperialism refers to the dominance of one political community over another political community. The weaker political community is influenced to serve the dominant power’s interests. Simply, while colonialism is refers to establishing the colonial territories overseas, Imperialism is to create and expand the empire. Imperialism is a broader category of domination that encompasses colonialism.

One more difference is that in colonies, there is a movement of the people from the old to new territories to live there permanently (Such as USA) while imperialism refers to exercise of power either through sovereignty or via other indirect mechanisms of control such as Suzerainty (Such as India and its Princely states).

During the course of modern history, Imperialism has allowed relatively small countries with limited resources to grow into great powers on the world stage. Let’s look at England, for example. England was a relatively small island nation off the coast of Europe, but through its pursuit of imperialism, it forged a worldwide empire so extensive that it was oft said that the sun never set upon the British Empire.

Neoimperialism

The old school of imperialism typically relied on the military force & conquests and settlements / colonies for empire building. However, this is not the only path taken towards imperialism. At present, military is not used much, instead, imperialism is / can be pursued through the assertion of political, economic and cultural influence. This is called neoimperialism.

United States is sometimes called maestro of neoimperialism. That country has exerted a great deal if influence over the entire world. Though US has used its military might to forward its interests, yet it has simultaneously relied  on economic power, its influence in international institutions (UN, WB, IMF). Further, it has extensively used social, political and economic values and culture across the world.

Colonialism

Colonialism is defined as conquering and settling occupied or unoccupied territory. England, Spain and France colonized North America. Colonialism is now considered extinct as the final remnants of the old colonial empires got dissolved after World War II. Nevertheless, its effect is still felt across the old colonies. Many of the former colonies suffer internal conflict because the boundaries were based on colonial system, which separated the close ethnic groups and placed traditionally hostile groups within the same boundaries.

Another legacy left by colonialism is that many former colonies are today’s least developed countries. The colonial masters extracted the wealth and resources of the colonies for the benefit of their homeland. In this process, the colonies were burdened with a narrow economic base designed to benefit the homeland {including growing certain cash crops or mining specific mineral}.

Further, in colonies, the professional class such as administrators, lawyers, doctors, etc. were from homeland. As the colonies got freedom, they suffered with serious brain drain.

Neocolonialism

Many argue that colonialism did not end but merely evolved. Neocolonialism involves a continued relationship of dominance between former colonial powers and their former colonies through economic dependency. Even though many former colonies gained their legal independence, they remain under the de facto control of the Western powers of Europe and the United States. For example, a former colony may rely upon its former colonial master for trade. Much needed financial aid and offered loans may come with certain political and economic strings attached designed to benefit the dominant country and its business. Additionally, the former colonies tend to be less technologically advanced and have inferior military power, which helps keep them subservient to the former colonial powers. Thus, Neocolonialism is the continued relationship of dominance of the former colonies by the former colonial powers based primarily upon economic dependence.