Colonization: Gold, Glory, and God
The colonization of Asia, Africa, and the Americas was driven by three main motives: Gold, Glory, and God.
- Gold: This represented the economic aspect of colonization. It referred to the pursuit of profits through trade. The colonies were seen as sources of valuable resources and commodities that could be exploited for economic gain.
- Glory: This aspect was related to the recognition and prestige a European power gained by establishing colonies. It was a manifestation of global influence and dominance. Having colonies was a symbol of a nation's strength and power on the world stage.
- God: The spread of Christianity was a significant aspect of colonization. Missionaries were sent to the colonies to convert the native populations to Christianity. Religion was viewed as a means of cultural assimilation and exerting influence over the colonized territories.
Sea power played a pivotal role in determining the success of colonial endeavors. Nations with strong navies were better equipped to protect their merchant ships, attack rival vessels, and control important sea routes. Friendly harbors along trade routes, known as Ports of Call, provided essential refueling and rest stops for ships, giving a strategic advantage to nations with access to such facilities.
Mercantile capitalism was closely intertwined with colonialism. The latter provided a secure environment for the former to thrive. New commodities entered the global trade market, including previously unknown items like potatoes, tobacco, maize, and spices. Colonies served as sources of raw materials to fuel European industries, such as the sugar industry in America.
Establishing trading posts in coastal areas of newly discovered lands became a common practice. Mercantile capitalism involved strategies like attacking rival merchant vessels, creating trade barriers, monopolizing trade with colonies, and, if unable to establish colonies, securing special trading rights with newfound lands to maintain trade dominance.
The Portuguese, with their discovery of a sea route to India via the Cape of Good Hope in 1498, replaced the Italian monopoly on trade with the East. Subsequently, the Dutch gained dominance in Indonesia, and the British in India. France and Britain, with their military strength and sea power, emerged as major colonial powers in subsequent years.
