There are many common myths and misconceptions associated with the term. Texts generally claim European peoples established foreign colonies because of "overcrowding," and imposed their administrative laws in native people's. In reality, colonialism was an expansion of trade opportunities intended to develop markets for European manufactured goods. Colonies were typically established among tribal people, often dominated by warlords, where laws varied in the same region from tribe to tribe. Natives often welcomed European administration and courts, which brought a more uniform system of justice and more prosperity for the surrounding region. | There are many common myths and misconceptions associated with the term. Texts generally claim European peoples established foreign colonies because of "overcrowding," and imposed their administrative laws in native people's. In reality, colonialism was an expansion of trade opportunities intended to develop markets for European manufactured goods. Colonies were typically established among tribal people, often dominated by warlords, where laws varied in the same region from tribe to tribe. Natives often welcomed European administration and courts, which brought a more uniform system of justice and more prosperity for the surrounding region. |