These are territories established and governed by a mother country in a foreign land, often across the ocean. They were primarily used for resource extraction and trade expansion.
Think of overseas colonies like franchises of a popular fast-food chain. The main company (mother country) sets up branches (colonies) in different locations to expand its reach, increase profits, and gain more resources (like customers).
Imperialism: This is the policy or ideology of extending a nation's rule over foreign nations, often by military force or by gaining political and economic control.
Mercantilism: An economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances, which a government should encourage by means of protectionism.
Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
How did Portugal differ from Spain concerning their approach to overseas colonies during the Age of Exploration?
In which way did post-colonial theories critique Europe's overseas colonies' impact on demographics within Europe during the eighteenth century?
From a post-colonial perspective, how might one analyze Europe's overseas colonies established during this era?
What was a likely purpose for an English merchant writing about the growth and profitability of overseas colonies in the late-17th century?
Which technological innovation greatly sped up information exchange between Europe and its overseas colonies during the late 19th century?
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