All Activities
History

What Was Colonialism?

Overview

Students explore the key features of colonialism, examining how and why powerful nations took control of other lands and peoples.

Learning Objective
Students understand what colonialism was, how it operated, and why it matters for understanding the modern world.

Resources needed

  • None

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Ask: has your country or region ever been controlled by another country? What do you know about this?
  2. 2 Introduce: colonialism is when one country takes political and economic control of another.
  3. 3 Discuss how it worked: military force, economic control, legal systems, cultural change.
  4. 4 Ask: why did colonising countries do this? (resources, trade, power, ideology).
  5. 5 Ask: what were the effects on colonised peoples? (loss of land, language, culture, wealth).
  6. 6 Introduce decolonisation — the process of gaining independence.
  7. 7 Discuss: do the effects of colonialism still exist today? How?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Focus specifically on the colonialism experienced in the local region.
  • Compare two different colonial experiences — were all colonial systems the same?
  • Debate: can the positive effects of colonialism ever outweigh the negative ones?
More information

Teach: colonialism, empire, colony, colonise, decolonise, independence, sovereignty. Avoid one-sided language — present the historical reality with honesty and nuance.

Begin with a simpler scenario: what would it feel like if another school took control of your school, changed its rules, and took its resources?

Can students explain how colonialism operated using at least two mechanisms? Can they identify one long-term consequence that persists today?

Entirely discussion-based. Teacher knowledge is the primary source. No materials needed.

Students sometimes think colonialism ended completely with independence. Discuss neo-colonialism and ongoing economic and cultural influences.

Colonialism is one of the most significant forces shaping the modern world. Teaching it honestly, including its ongoing effects, is essential for historical and global literacy.

Activity details
Secondary Medium 25 minutes no prep Small Group, Whole Class Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Colonialism Empire Power