Embedded Files
Map showing colonies of the British Empire
Source: Wikipedia commons British colonies that at one time or another were part of the British Empire
Source: Wikipedia commons British colonies that at one time or another were part of the British Empire
What is a colony?
What is a colony?
A colony is a place that is owned by another country and ruled by that country, usually by a Governor who represents the King or Queen.
England was one of the main powerful countries that ruled many colonies around the world. This could be done peacefully but it was usually done by force. British colonies were usually shown pink on maps. The group of countries that England ruled was called the 'British Empire'.
So what does colonisation mean ?
So what does colonisation mean ?
Colonisation is defined as 'The act of setting up a colony away from one's place of origin'. Colonisation is sometimes seen as a negative act because it tends to involve an invading culture establishing political control over an indigenous population (the people living there before the arrival of the settlers).
Colonisation occurred throughout history as European powers like England 'colonised' different parts of the world, transporting their culture and way of life, taking indigenous peoples land, and taking political control of the country.
Find out more about colonisation in Australia through the Australian Museum's virtual exhibition Unsettled.
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