Colonialism and its consequences for industrialized countries. How Russia Almost Became a Colonial Power

Great Britain was the most powerful colonial empire, occupying vast territories - from Australia to North America. The sun never set on Britain. How did the British manage to conquer half the world?

economic power

England was one of the first European countries to embark on the path of industrialization. The system of protectionism protecting the domestic market from foreign competition by the middle of the 18th century provided the country with rapid economic growth.

At the end of the 19th century, when the world was actually divided among the major metropolises, England had already become the main industrial monopoly: in the "workshop of the world", as Britain was called, a third of the world's industrial output was produced. Such sectors of the British economy as metallurgy, engineering and shipbuilding were the leaders in terms of production volume.

With high rates of economic growth, the domestic market was oversaturated and was looking for a profitable application outside not only the Kingdom, but also Europe. Production and capital from the British Isles flowed actively into the colonies.

An important role in the success of England as a colonial empire was played by the high level of technology that the English economy has always tried to follow. Various innovations - from the invention of spinning machines (1769) to the installation of the transatlantic telegraph (1858) - allowed Britain to be one step ahead of the competition.

Invincible Fleet

England was constantly in anticipation of an invasion from the continent, which forced her to develop shipbuilding and create a combat-ready fleet. Having defeated the "Invincible Armada" in 1588, Francis Drake seriously shook the Spanish-Portuguese dominance in the ocean. Since then, England, albeit with varying success, has strengthened its status as a maritime power.

In addition to Spain and Portugal, Holland was a serious competitor of England at sea. The rivalry between the two countries resulted in three Anglo-Dutch wars (1651-1674), which, having revealed the relative equality of forces, led to a truce.

By the end of the 18th century, Britain had only one serious competitor at sea - France. The struggle for maritime hegemony began during the period of revolutionary wars - from 1792. Then Admiral Nelson won a series of brilliant victories over the French fleet, effectively securing England's control over the Mediterranean.

Dimensions of the British Empire

In October 1805, Great Britain was given the opportunity to assert the right to be called "mistress of the seas." During the legendary battle of Trafalgar, the British fleet won a crushing victory over the combined French-Spanish squadron, convincingly demonstrating its tactical and strategic superiority. Britain became the absolute maritime hegemon.

Combat-ready army

To maintain order and maintain stability in the colonies, the British were forced to keep a combat-ready army there. Using its military superiority, by the end of the 1840s, Great Britain conquered almost all of India, whose population was almost 200 million people.

Moreover, the British military constantly had to sort things out with competitors - Germany, France, Holland. Indicative in this regard was the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), during which the British troops, inferior in number to the forces of the Orange Republic, were able to turn the tide of confrontation in their favor. However, this war is remembered for the unheard-of cruelty of the British soldiers, who used the "scorched earth tactics".

Colonial wars between England and France were especially fierce. During the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), England won almost all of her possessions in the East Indies and Canada from France. The French could only console themselves with the fact that Britain was soon forced to capitulate to the United States during the war of independence.

The Art of Diplomacy

The British have always been skilled diplomats. Masters of political intrigue and behind-the-scenes games in the international arena, they often got their way. So, having failed to defeat Holland in naval battles, they waited until the war between France and Holland reached its climax, and then made peace with the latter on favorable terms for themselves.

By diplomatic means, the British prevented France and Russia from retaking India. At the very beginning of the Russian-French campaign, the British officer John Malcolm concluded two strategic alliances - with the Afghans and with the Persian Shah, who confused all the cards for Napoleon and Paul I. The first consul then abandoned the campaign, and the Russian army never reached India.

Often, British diplomacy acted not only cunningly, but also menacingly persistent. During the Russian-Turkish war (1877-1878), she failed to acquire a "soldier on the continent" in the face of the Turks, and then she imposed on Turkey an agreement under which Great Britain acquired Cyprus. The island was immediately occupied and Britain set about establishing a naval base in the Eastern Mediterranean.

British Empire vs Russian Empire (Chinese poster)

Managerial Talents

The area of ​​British overseas possessions by the end of the 19th century was 33 million square meters. km. To manage such a huge empire, a very competent and efficient administrative apparatus was needed. The British created it.

The well-thought-out system of colonial government included three structures - the Foreign Office, the Ministry of Colonies and the Office of Dominions. The key link here was the Ministry of the Colonies, which managed finances and recruited personnel for the colonial administration.

The effectiveness of the British system of government demonstrated itself in the construction of the Suez Canal. Vitally interested in a sea canal that shortened the route to India and East Africa by 10,000 kilometers, the British spared no expense, investing them in the Egyptian economy. However, the huge interest that investors received soon turned Egypt into a debtor. Ultimately, the Egyptian authorities were forced to sell their shares in the Suez Canal Company to the UK.

Often, British methods of government in the colonies brought great trouble. So, in 1769 - 1770. colonial authorities created a famine in India by purchasing all the rice and then selling it at exorbitant prices. The famine claimed the lives of about 10 million people. The British also practically destroyed the industry of India, importing cotton fabrics of their own production to Hindustan.

The colonial hegemony of Great Britain ended only after the Second World War, when a new leader, the United States of America, entered the political arena.

Great Britain was the most powerful colonial empire, occupying vast territories - from Australia to North America. The sun never set on Britain. How did the British manage to conquer half the world?

economic power

England was one of the first European countries to embark on the path of industrialization. The system of protectionism protecting the domestic market from foreign competition by the middle of the 18th century provided the country with rapid economic growth.
At the end of the 19th century, when the world was actually divided among the major metropolises, England had already become the main industrial monopoly: in the "workshop of the world", as Britain was called, a third of the world's industrial output was produced. Such sectors of the British economy as metallurgy, engineering and shipbuilding were the leaders in terms of production volume.
With high rates of economic growth, the domestic market was oversaturated and was looking for a profitable application outside not only the Kingdom, but also Europe. Production and capital from the British Isles flowed actively into the colonies.
An important role in the success of England as a colonial empire was played by the high level of technology that the English economy has always tried to follow. Innovations ranging from the invention of the spinning machine (1769) to the installation of the transatlantic telegraph (1858) kept Britain one step ahead of the competition.

Invincible Fleet

England was constantly in anticipation of an invasion from the continent, which forced her to develop shipbuilding and create a combat-ready fleet. Having defeated the "Invincible Armada" in 1588, Francis Drake seriously shook the Spanish-Portuguese dominance in the ocean. Since then, England, albeit with varying success, has strengthened its status as a maritime power.
In addition to Spain and Portugal, Holland was a serious competitor of England at sea. The rivalry between the two countries resulted in three Anglo-Dutch wars (1651-1674), which, having revealed the relative equality of forces, led to a truce.
By the end of the 18th century, Britain had only one serious competitor at sea - France. The struggle for maritime hegemony began during the period of revolutionary wars - from 1792. Then Admiral Nelson won a series of brilliant victories over the French fleet, effectively securing England's control over the Mediterranean.

In October 1805, Great Britain was given the opportunity to assert the right to be called "mistress of the seas." During the legendary battle of Trafalgar, the British fleet won a crushing victory over the combined French-Spanish squadron, convincingly demonstrating its tactical and strategic superiority. Britain became the absolute maritime hegemon.

Combat-ready army

To maintain order and maintain stability in the colonies, the British were forced to keep a combat-ready army there. Using its military superiority, by the end of the 1840s, Great Britain conquered almost all of India, whose population was almost 200 million people.
Moreover, the British military constantly had to sort things out with competitors - Germany, France, Holland. Indicative in this regard was the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), during which the British troops, inferior in number to the forces of the Orange Republic, were able to turn the tide of confrontation in their favor. However, this war is remembered for the unheard-of cruelty of the British soldiers, who used the "scorched earth tactics".
Colonial wars between England and France were especially fierce. During the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), England won almost all of her possessions in the East Indies and Canada from France. The French could only console themselves with the fact that Britain was soon forced to capitulate to the United States during the war of independence.

The Art of Diplomacy

The British have always been skilled diplomats. Masters of political intrigue and behind-the-scenes games in the international arena, they often got their way. So, having failed to defeat Holland in naval battles, they waited until the war between France and Holland reached its climax, and then made peace with the latter on favorable terms for themselves.
By diplomatic means, the British prevented France and Russia from retaking India. At the very beginning of the Russian-French campaign, the British officer John Malcolm concluded two strategic alliances - with the Afghans and with the Persian Shah, who confused all the cards for Napoleon and Paul I. The first consul then abandoned the campaign, and the Russian army never reached India.
Often, British diplomacy acted not only cunningly, but also menacingly persistent. During the Russian-Turkish war (1877-1878), she failed to acquire a "soldier on the continent" in the face of the Turks, and then she imposed an agreement on Turkey under which Great Britain acquired Cyprus. The island was immediately occupied and Britain set about establishing a naval base in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Managerial Talents

The area of ​​British overseas possessions by the end of the 19th century was 33 million square meters. km. To manage such a huge empire, a very competent and efficient administrative apparatus was needed. The British created it.
The well-thought-out system of colonial government included three structures - the Foreign Office, the Ministry of Colonies and the Office of Dominions. The key link here was the Ministry of the Colonies, which managed finances and recruited personnel for the colonial administration.
The effectiveness of the British system of government demonstrated itself in the construction of the Suez Canal. Vitally interested in a sea canal that shortened the route to India and East Africa by 10,000 kilometers, the British spared no expense, investing them in the Egyptian economy. However, the huge interest that investors received soon turned Egypt into a debtor. Ultimately, the Egyptian authorities were forced to sell their shares in the Suez Canal Company to the UK.
Often, British methods of government in the colonies brought great trouble. So, in 1769 - 1770. colonial authorities created a famine in India by purchasing all the rice and then selling it at exorbitant prices. The famine claimed the lives of about 10 million people. The British also practically destroyed the industry of India, importing cotton fabrics of their own production to Hindustan.
The colonial hegemony of Great Britain ended only after the Second World War, when a new leader, the United States of America, entered the political arena.

On the same topic:

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) over the rest of the world in 16-20 years. The mother countries sought to conquer the less developed countries in order to exploit them. The early stage of colonialism dates back to the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries (since the 15th century), colonialism reached its peak by the beginning of the 20th century, when the territorial division of the world was completed. After World War II, the collapse of the colonial system began, mostly ending in the 1960s and 1970s.

In the second half of the 20th century, international law began to regard colonialism as a crime against humanity. The manifestations of colonialism include: the seizure of overseas territories for the purpose of their robbery, economic exploitation, enslavement of the local population; ideological theory and practice of economic actions of states and large corporations aimed at colonizing the territories of other states, imposing on them economic regimes that do not correspond to the interests of these countries and their peoples, contributing to the pumping of resources and profits from colonial countries and territories. The colonial policy began to be carried out by European countries (Portugal, Spain, England, France, Holland) from the end of the 15th century. The first colonial empires (Spanish and Portuguese) were formed following the Great Geographical Discoveries. After the discovery of America in 1492, Spain captured Central America and a large part of South America. The Portuguese, having opened a sea route to India in 1498, created their strongholds on the western and eastern coasts of Africa, entrenched themselves on the western coast of India, captured the Moluccas in Southeast Asia, and Brazil in the Western Hemisphere. In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Holland achieved independence from Spain, which by the middle of the 17th century emerged as a major colonial power and took over most of the Portuguese colonies in the East. England became an obstacle to the further development of the Netherlands as a colonial empire. After the victory in the Anglo-Dutch wars of the 17th century (1652-1554, 1665-1667, 1672-1674), it became the largest colonial power, which carried out its expansion in all parts of the world. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, France entered the path of colonial conquests.
The colonial policy in the initial period was carried out by specially created large trading companies. The colonies were a source of huge profits for the metropolises, which were formed both through direct robbery, and through the exploitation of the local population, and through the establishment of a monopoly in trade with the conquered territories. In the enslaved countries, colonial policy retarded economic and political development, led to the extermination of entire peoples; during the three hundred years of Spanish rule, the Indian population of its American colonies was reduced tenfold. The consequence of the colonial policy of that time was the concentration of large capital in the countries of Europe. Colonialism reached its peak by the beginning of the 20th century, when most of the world was divided among several metropolises. By that time, new colonial powers had been added to the old ones: the USA, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Japan.
The socio-political situation that developed in the world after the end of World War II led to a crisis, and then to the collapse of colonial empires. By the early 1960s, dozens of former colonies had become sovereign states. Under pressure from the socialist countries and newly independent states, the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples was adopted in 1960, which qualified colonialism as a crime against humanity. The last major colonial territory to gain independence was Namibia in 1990. Separate small, mainly island overseas territories remain under the rule of the USA, Great Britain, France, and the Netherlands. However, the inhabitants of these territories have received rights similar or close to the rights of the inhabitants of the metropolitan countries, enjoy self-government, and receive financial and economic support from the metropolitan countries.

As the foreign policy of the industrial countries was subordinated to the goals of supporting the expansion of their industrial and financial capital, colonial policy became more active, and the rivalry of the leading powers on the world stage intensified. At the same time, at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century, their confrontation escalated. This was due to the fact that the primary division of the world between the industrial countries was basically completed, vast colonial empires were formed.

By conquest, bribery, and promises of protection to feudal princes and tribal leaders, Great Britain, the first to embark on the path of colonial expansion, created the most extensive colonial empire in the world. More than a quarter of the world's population lived in it, the territory of its colonies exceeded the territory of the metropolis by almost a hundred times. The second colonial power in the world was France, which put under its control North and Equatorial Africa, Indochina.

The possession of colonies had an ambiguous impact on the development of metropolitan areas. To make it possible to use them as a source of cheap agricultural products, raw materials, markets for products, it was necessary to at least minimally develop the economy of the colonies. The construction of a network of communications, the creation of an extractive industry, plantations, the training of a local workforce - all this required capital investment. The poor, the unemployed, unable to find work in the metropolises, emigrated to the colonies, which was facilitated by the emerging diamond and gold rushes, the distribution of land on preferential terms.

The wealth exported from the colonies, the ability to monopolize their markets, receiving super profits, enriched both the ruling elite and the general population of the metropolises. The constant outflow of surplus labor force, reducing the number of poor and unemployed, reduced the level of social tension.

The flip side of prosperity was the constant flight of capital and the lack of incentives to update the range of manufactured goods - the monopolized markets of the colonies were not too demanding on the range and quality of products. An increase in the standard of living led to a rise in the cost of labor, which made it unprofitable to invest capital in the economy of the metropolitan countries proper. British bankers preferred to invest in colonies, dominions (colonies inhabited mainly by immigrants from the metropolis and given self-government opportunities: Canada - in 1867, Australia - in 1901, New Zealand - in 1907), as well as to the US economy. French capital was invested in government loans in foreign countries, where high profits could be quickly obtained, in particular in Russia.

In the economy of the most developed countries of the world, there have been tendencies towards stagnation, it has lost its dynamism, and its growth rates have slowed down. On the contrary, in states that did not create vast colonial empires (Germany, the USA, Japan), most of the capital was directed to the development of their own national economies. Later, having embarked on the path of industrial development, they equipped the emerging industry with the most advanced technology, which also provided advantages in the fight against competitors. Due to the rapid development of these states, a discrepancy arose between the development of their military and economic potential and the distribution of spheres of influence in the world.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the desire of these most dynamically developing powers to seize new colonies and markets by invading the spheres of influence of their competitors was clearly manifested. The first imperialist war of the new era was the Spanish-American (1898), as a result of which the United States captured the Philippines, the islands of Puerto Rico and Guam, granting independence to Cuba. The struggle for the redivision of the world has become the most important factor determining the content of world politics.

The contradictions between the mother countries and the colonial and dependent countries have acquired increasing importance. In these countries, commodity-money, market relations developed, which was associated with their involvement in the orbit of the world capitalist economy. A stratum of the national bourgeoisie, the intelligentsia, who received a European education, arose. Their protest against colonial status began to be combined with aspirations for modernization. At the same time, anti-colonial movements were often supported by industrial powers competing with the mother countries, who sought to weaken their rivals and counted on expanding spheres of influence. Thus, on the eve of the war with Spain, the United States showed solidarity with the liberation movement in the Philippines and Cuba, which, however, did not prevent them from including these countries in the orbit of their own influence after the victory over Spain.

DOCUMENTS AND MATERIALS

From the speech of E. Etienne, vice-president of the Chamber of Deputies, on the goals of the colonial policy of France, 1894:

“The idea of ​​a homeland is based on the concept of duty, while the idea of ​​a colony can and should be based solely on profit, which alone compels a nation to voluntarily go beyond its borders and voluntarily expand. Consequently, any colonial undertaking must be approached with a single criterion - the degree of its usefulness, the advantages and benefits that the mother country can receive. What is our goal? We have created, and we intend to maintain and develop, a colonial empire in order to secure the future of our country on new continents, to provide markets for our goods, and sources of raw materials for our industry. This is undeniable.

I must say that if there is any justification for the expense and loss of life required by the establishment of our colonial possessions, it lies in the hope that the French industrialist, the French merchant, will be able to send the surplus of French production to the colonies.

“We will not tolerate any foreign power, any foreign Jupiter, saying to us: “What to do? The world is already divided! We don't want to get in the way of anyone, but we won't let anyone get in our way. We will not passively stand aside<...>while others divide the world. We cannot and do not want to tolerate this. We have interests in all parts of the world<...>If the British are talking about Great Britain, the French are talking about a new France, the Russians are conquering Asia, then we demand the creation of a Greater Germany.<...>We will only be able to stay on top when we understand that prosperity is impossible for us without great power, without a strong army, without a strong navy.<...>In the coming century the German people will be either the hammer or the anvil."

US President McKinley on the status of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War, 1898:

“One night the following thoughts came to my mind, I don’t know how:

• 1) We cannot return Philippine Islands to Spain. This would be a cowardly and dishonorable act for us;
• 2) we cannot transfer the Philippines to France or Germany, our commercial rivals in the East. This would be a bad and disadvantageous economic policy for us;
• 3) we cannot leave the Filipinos to themselves, for they are not prepared for self-government and the independence of the Philippines would soon lead to such anarchy and such abuses that would be worse than the Spanish war; 4) there is nothing left for us but to take the Philippine Islands, educate, raise and civilize the Filipinos and instill in them Christian ideals, for they are our brothers in humanity, for whom Christ also died. After that, I went to bed and fell asleep soundly.”

QUESTIONS AND TASKS

• 1. Explain the reasons for the aggravation of the problem of uneven development of the countries of the world. Why did only a small group of countries become leaders in development?
• 2. Analyze the data of tables 1, 2, 3.

Table 1. Change in the share of leading industrial countries in world industrial production (percentage)

Note. Until 1871, German kingdoms and principalities, which in 1871 became part of the German Empire.

Table 2. Population of colonial possessions (in million people)

Table 3. Production of GNP (gross national product) in value terms, in % of world

Note. When calculating GNP, not only industrial, but also agricultural production is taken into account, including the value of natural products, services rendered, including transportation.

Based on the analysis, compose a message: "The unevenness of world economic development: causes and consequences."

• 3. Expand the content of the concepts: "developed countries", "echelons of development", "colonies", "dependent countries". Support your explanations with examples.
• 4. Name the main groups of contradictions in world development in the late XIX - early XX century.
• 5. Determine the place and role of the state and big capital of developed countries in the division of the world, the capture of colonies.
• 6. What impact did the colonial policy of industrial countries have on the development of colonies and metropolises?

Colonialism is the enslavement of a weak state, usually by a more stable state. Colonialism is of great importance in the history of Europe. Colonialism as a result of the Great Geographical Discoveries, the beginning of which was influenced by the voyages of Vasco da Gamma and Christopher Columbus. Colonialism was not the result of an invention of developing capitalism. Even in previous centuries, there were large colonial empires (Iranian, Egyptian, Roman, etc.). The main difference between the ancient and medieval colonies was a high level of organization, a clear coherence, and a technological basis for European colonization.

At that time, Europe was economically unstable than Asia and Africa. Europe was attracted by the resources of these countries, as the demand for gold grew. Significant means of exchange were required. The colonial expansion of these countries met these needs.

Great geographical discoveries of the middle of the XV - the middle of the XVII century. were associated with the process of primitive accumulation of capital in Europe. The development of new trade routes and countries, the plunder of newly discovered lands contributed to the development of this process, marked the beginning of the creation of the colonial system of capitalism, the formation of the world market. The history of colonialism is closely connected with two European countries: Spain and Portugal. It is worth noting that in this period, the pioneers of colonialism, Spain and Portugal, remained feudal states. They paved the way for European colonial expansion, but over time they had rivals in the person of the Netherlands and England. It was the Netherlands and England that took over the baton of the main role in European colonial expansion. That period of time was marked by the beginning of the development of early forms of capitalist colonialism. At the beginning of the XVII century. Holland became the main colonial power. In 1602, the establishment of the Dutch East India Company.

In the same year, the chambers of six Dutch cities - Amsterdam, Delft, Middleburg, Rotterdam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen - invested their capital in the East India Company. It was the first monopoly company that received in its country the right to trade and sail in virtually the entire Afro-Asian region. Further, according to the model, the East India companies of Denmark, Sweden, Kurilland, etc. arose. The colonialism of England began to develop along with Holland. As in Holland, the East Indies, West Indies, Levantine colonies were created in England. The British created pirate expeditions with the aim of attacking the Spanish ships. At that time, the British began to create their first colonies on the territory of modern North America (Newfoundland, Virginia, British Honduras, Bermuda). From the second half of the 17th century, England paid great attention to the colonization of the East. The East India Company of England gained a foothold first by creating separate factories in the Moluccas, Sulawessi, Java, Sumatra, India, and Xi'an. Very soon, the competition between Holland and England for Southeast Asia led to war. The initial advantage was on the side of Holland. In 1619, in the Gulf of Thailand, the British were defeated by the Dutch fleet, and in 1620 England was completely ousted from the Moluccas. The situation began to change from the second half of the 17th century, with the start of trade wars. England managed to take away from Holland its treasure in Asia - Indonesia. In the 3 Anglo-Dutch wars, the naval power of Holland was broken by her worst enemy - England. And the fourth war between England and Holland determined the primacy of England. Despite this, the Netherlands still defended its colonies, but irrevocably lost leadership to the British, and to the new stars of colonial policy - the French.

Indonesia remained the main Dutch colony in Asia. 1664 in the history of colonialism was associated with the founding of the French East India Company. In the same period, France had its points in India - Chandranagora and Pondicherry. By the middle of the XVIII century. France established itself in South India. But the seven-year war inflicted damage on France from England, and for one thing undermined the colonial power of her ally - Spain. France is losing Canada, some of the West Indies, and crushing losses in India. 1763 - conclusion of the Peace of Paris, according to which France renounced its territories in India. This had a positive effect on England, as England had ways to establish itself in Hindustan. The French time of colonial conquests also had many advantages. For example, under Napoleon III, France reached its power in Algeria, they also managed to penetrate into Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon. These countries became possessions of both France and England. In alliance with England, France took part in the war against China, also participated in the penetration into Japan, they also enslaved South Vietnam. Since 1857, the expansion of France's possessions in Africa begins. An unsuccessful attempt was made to capture Korea in 1866, and in 1867 a French protectorate was established over Cambodia. The defeat in the Franco-Prussian War weakened the influence of France, and as a result, she had to cede a controlling stake in the Suez Canal to England. This weakened the position of France in Egypt, but despite this, in 1879 France resumed the expansion of its colonies in Africa and in the countries of Indochina. Be that as it may, France secured a number of African territories. A little earlier, having defeated China in the war of 1884-1885, France took power over Tonkin and established its protectorate over Vietnam.

In the 18th century, as before in the 17th century, the history of the peoples of the East was inextricably linked with the colonial policy of the European powers. During this period, the foundations of the colonial system, which met the interests of the big commercial bourgeoisie, were laid. If in the 17th century the first steps of the colonial policy of the East India companies were associated with the Netherlands, then in the XVIII century. the Dutch company was no longer able to maintain its monopoly position and lost its position to England. Having overtaken Holland in its development, England dealt her serious blows in a number of trade wars. Anglo-Dutch War 1780-1784 led to the loss by the Netherlands of a number of colonial territories and the granting of British ships the right to pass through Indonesian waters. By this time, England had achieved significant success in India, and expanded its ties with the Middle East and China. At the time of their transformation into colonies and semi-colonies of industrial powers, most of the peoples of the countries of Asia and Africa lived under the conditions of a feudal or tribal system. The results of their conquest by industrial countries were extremely ambiguous. Especially destructive was colonialism, which used the methods of the pre-capitalist era in the exploitation of the colonies. They included the robbery of the colonies, the export of gold, silver, cultural monuments to the mother countries, the creation of a slave trade system, which especially affected the population of Equatorial Africa in the 16th-19th centuries.

More serious prerequisites for modernization existed in the countries of Latin America. Colonial dependence on Spain and Portugal was eliminated there at the beginning of the 19th century. After the war of independence (1816), Argentina was liberated, in 1821 - Mexico, in 1824 - Peru, Brazil also gained independence in 1822, although until 1889 it remained a monarchy under the rule of a son, and then grandson of the King of Portugal.

In 1823, the United States adopted the Monroe Doctrine, which proclaimed the inadmissibility of interference by European powers in the affairs of American states. Thanks to this, the danger of a second colonial conquest of Latin America disappeared. The United States, which had a vast and not yet fully developed territory, limited itself to the annexation of part of the territory of Mexico and the establishment of control over the Panama Canal zone, which previously belonged to Colombia.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the era of colonial Europe is a special period. New achievements in navigation, curiosity, as well as the desire to get rich and convert new peoples to Christianity, pushed Europeans to long-distance sea voyages. They became possible thanks to the support of the Portuguese and Spanish kings.