British colonial policies

British colonial policies aimed to control and develop their overseas territories for economic gain, strategic advantage, and political influence. They often involved establishing governance structures, extracting resources, and introducing Western legal and educational systems. Policies could include direct rule, where officials governed locally, or indirect rule, using local leaders under British oversight. While some infrastructure and reforms were introduced, these policies frequently prioritized British interests, sometimes leading to social disruption and resistance from indigenous populations. Overall, colonial policies reflected a balance of economic exploitation and governance aimed at consolidating British empire dominance.