3 Colonialism, a Global Economy and Developing Countries


European colonialism: an introduction Between the fi fteenth century and the mid-twentieth century, European countries


such as Britain, Portugal and France ruled large parts of Africa, Asia and South America. This was the era of European colonialism. Colonialism set up a new and unjust pattern of global trade called the


‘international division of labour’: ●● Colonies were made to specialise in the production of primary products such as cotton, sugar and tea. These products provided cheap raw materials for the manufacturing industries of imperial powers.


●● Colonies were also forced to provide ‘captive’ markets for the relatively expensive industrial products of imperial powers.


Colonialism also harmed colonised people in the following ways: ●● Colonies’ local industries were discouraged. This was done so that colonies would not become manufacturing rivals to their colonial powers.


●● Food-producing land was taken over and turned into large private estates or plantations. These estates were given to European owners and were used to produce cotton, tea, coffee and other products for export to Europe. This disruption of land ownership and food production contributed to the rise of poverty and hunger among colonised peoples.


●● Towns were developed around some European mines, ports and other settlements. Local people fl ocked from rural areas to these towns, some of which grew rapidly into large cities. This led to uneven economic development within individual colonies.


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Dominant colonial power


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Expensive manufactured products Cheap raw materials


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Dependent colony


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Some aspects of the colonial economic system


Terms to know


●● Colonial power: a conquering European country.


●● Colony: a country or region ruled by a colonial power.


●● Empire: a colonial power together with its colonies.


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