The Pros And Cons Of British Colonization

In evaluating the various approaches to colonization over the past century, some notable differences can be referenced. Yet what remains constant through all these differences is the profound affect these colonial powers had on the fate of the counties they colonized. It is also worth recognizing that colonization, to a certain degree, held advantages as well as disadvantages for the colonized; ultimately altering their relationship and success with democratic consolidation. In this section, I will be comparing the colonial methods and tactics of three major imperialist powers: Great Britain, France, and Portugal. In answering the question presented as to what their specific differences are, I will be examining their governance styles and economic

framework.

Great Britain:
English colonies were ruled by a Parliament that allowed colonists to set up local governments and representative assemblies.

Yielding considerable amounts of self-governance to the natives was largely favored by the expansive nature of the empire, which soon led to the the notion of a “British Commonwealth;” a concept that encompassed self-governing dependencies that jointly acknowledged a progressively symbolic British dominion. Aside from this distinct feature, virtually all British colonies were established exclusively through the enterprise of industrialist companies seeking to expand their capitalistic ventures, rather than from the English crown itself. The crown, of course, possessed and exercised the rights to appoint political or military officials and supervise the overall socio-political dynamics that existed within the bounds of their colonies, however, the colonies were determinately self-managing enterprises. Consequently, this led to an increased population of British nationals residing in its various colonies, all taking a part in the political dealings and booming economy of the territories. Thus, the development and maintenance of the empire could be characterized as a rather unorganized process founded on disjointed entrepreneurial

acquisition.
This naturally led to a diverse economy with increased trading partners. Until the mid-19th century, the British Empire practiced mercantilism, which was designed to strengthen the imperial economy by prohibiting colonies to trade with anyone but the mother country. However, with the advent of the Industrial Revolution and the abolishment of slavery, the British Empire eventually lifted trade restrictions and tariffs and established the principle of free trade; allowing colonies to trade with other nations, but with all profits and revenue still returning to Great Britain. Nevertheless, the open and free market that Great Britain participated in did little to dampen or quell the exploitative nature of its economy. Although Great Britain was no longer trading slaves and sanctioning colonies, the crown still subjugated native labor and exploited natural resources for their own gain (i.e.: plantations in Southeast Asia, coal and iron from India, minerals from various African nations, etc.). This economic model was also present in the French and Spanish empires.