Final answer:
Colonialism, mainly practiced by European countries from the 1500s to the 1900s, is characterized by violent rule, resource extraction, forced labor, and imposition of European cultures. It led to enduring social and economic inequities in the colonized regions, despite official rhetoric of a 'civilizing mission'. The late phase, often called 'classic colonialism', saw standardization of these exploitative mechanisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Colonialism, particularly during the 1500s to the 1900s, is characterized by domination and control, primarily by European countries over regions in Africa, Asia, America and the Middle East. Core hallmarks include violent rule, extraction of raw materials, forced labor, and taxation imposed by the European government. The approach also involved the propagation of Christian missions, the degradation of local cultures, the introduction of new diseases, and increased inter-tribal conflict.
While European colonizers often justified their actions as part of a ‘civilizing mission’, the introduction of institutions like hospitals and schools did little to offset the hardships endured by local populations. In fact, colonialism played a significant role in creating enduring social and economic inequities in many territories that were once subjected to it.
The late phase of European Colonialism, often referred to as 'classic colonialism', saw the standardization of control and extraction mechanisms, mainly in Africa. The official stance painted the dynamic as a benevolent relationship between the mother country and its colonies. However, underneath, the true intentions were power and control, leaving Indigenous peoples subjugated, and their land and resources exploited for the benefit of the colonizers.
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