European colonial powers

European colonial powers were countries like Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands that expanded their territories by establishing control over regions in Africa, Asia, and the Americas from the 15th to the 20th centuries. They sought resources, trade routes, and strategic advantages, often dominating indigenous populations through economic, political, and military means. Their influence shaped local cultures, economies, and borders, leaving lasting impacts that continue today. Colonialism involved both cooperation and conflict, with complex legacies of development and exploitation across the world.