Final answer:
Neocolonialism began in the nineteenth century but gained momentum after World War II as a new form of imperialism to control formerly colonized nations. It involves the indirect exploitation of poor countries by modern capitalist interests through economic, political, or military means.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neocolonialism refers to the indirect ways in which modern capitalist interests continue to put pressure on poor nations through economic, political, or military means in order to further exploit wealth for multinational corporations and their allies. The beginnings of neocolonialism can be traced back to the nineteenth century, particularly in Latin America, where supposedly independent countries were economically dominated by European and U.S. investors. They provided raw materials for industrial powers in exchange for finished goods, leading to economic dependency and exploitation. However, neocolonialism as a global phenomenon gained momentum after World War II. Many formerly colonized nations achieved independence in the decades following the war, and neocolonialism emerged as a new form of imperialism to maintain control over these countries through economic and political means.