Colonialism refers to the practice of establishing control by one country over another territory, usually involving political domination, economic exploitation, and cultural influence. It is a system in which a powerful nation extends its authority over a weaker region and governs it for its own interests. The term is derived from the Latin word “colonia,” meaning settlement or colony. Colonialism became one of the most significant features of world history, particularly from the fifteenth century onwards, and reached its peak during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In the context of European history from 1789 to 1945, colonialism was closely connected with the rise of European imperial powers. Countries such as Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands expanded their control over territories in Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world. The Industrial Revolution increased the demand for raw materials, markets, and investment opportunities, encouraging European nations to acquire colonies. Colonies provided resources such as cotton, minerals, spices, and agricultural products while also serving as markets for European manufactured goods. Colonialism involved different forms of control. In some cases, European powers established direct political rule through colonial administrations,