Colonization - What, When, and Why?

What is colonize?
According to Oxford dictionary, it is defined as sending settlers to (a place) and establish political control over it.


When did colonization happen?
There were 2 big European colonization waves. One is in 15th century and the other is in 19th century.
In the first big wave, India, America and some Asian countries were colonized. Colonization of Africa largely did not take place at this time. However, European interests in Atlantic slave trade in Africa during this period.
The second wave  started in the second half of the 19th century with the New Imperialism period included Scramble of Africa.


Why colonization happened?
National Security
- In order to remain a strong country, Imperialists believed:
1. Needed to have strong industrial economy
2. Needed to have steady supply of raw materials
3. Have a strong military
    Furthermore, imperialists countries did not want other countries to get ahead of them.
Social Darwinism
1.European believed they were better than the people they colonized or ruled
2.They believed this made it ok for them to rule other people.
Industrial Economies
1.Raw materials and cheap labor
Missionary Impulse
1. Religious zeal in Spanish and Portuguese played a large role  overseas activities. Church sent missionaries to convert to the Catholic faith the indigenous of other continents.
2. With modern inventions and technology, European wanted people in colonized countries to live better. 


Triangle Trade:
Raw materials (sugar, tobacco and cotton) were imported to the metropolis and then processed and redistributed to other colonies. Thus, the slaves were bought in Africa with textile, rums and other manufactured goods, and sold in the New World against raw materials.