Final answer:
Colonization began in 1492 with Columbus' voyage and continued intensively between 1550 CE and 1750 CE. A second, more exploitative phase lasted from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century, with colonization effectively ending by 1945 due to the decline of European powers post-World War II.
Step-by-step explanation:
Colonization is a significant historical phenomenon that saw European nations establishing dominion over vast territories globally. It began in earnest after the Renaissance, following the Dark Ages in Europe. The traditional starting point of European colonization is often marked by Columbus' voyage in 1492, when he crossed the Atlantic and landed in the Americas. This period of colonization primarily driven by the European superpowers lasted roughly from 1550 CE to 1750 CE. However, a newer phase began in the late 19th century, and this second wave differed from the previous centuries in its scope and nature. By the late 1800s, the European powers were establishing colonies with a more exploitative and ruthless approach backed by racist ideologies, which resulted in numerous wars and some cases of genocide. The zenith of this new colonization phase was reached by 1914, just before World War I. The decline of colonization accelerated with the conclusion of World War II in 1945, as European nations were devastated and could no longer maintain their empires. Ultimately, colonization did not fully end until the mid-20th century, when most colonies achieved independence and colonial empires were regarded as anachronistic.