History The Age Of Colonization Questions Medium
The major ideologies and philosophies that influenced colonization during the Age of Colonization were mercantilism, imperialism, and religious motivations.
Mercantilism was an economic ideology that emphasized the accumulation of wealth and the belief that a nation's power and prosperity depended on its ability to export more than it imported. This ideology encouraged colonization as a means to secure valuable resources, establish trade routes, and create markets for manufactured goods.
Imperialism, on the other hand, was a political ideology that promoted the expansion of empires through the acquisition of colonies. It was driven by the desire for political dominance, strategic advantages, and the spread of cultural influence. Imperial powers sought to establish colonies as a way to extend their control over new territories and peoples.
Religious motivations also played a significant role in colonization. Many European nations, particularly Spain and Portugal, were driven by a desire to spread Christianity to new lands. This religious zeal led to the establishment of missions and the conversion of indigenous populations. Additionally, religious conflicts within Europe, such as the Protestant Reformation, fueled competition between Catholic and Protestant nations to establish colonies and spread their respective faiths.
Overall, the major ideologies and philosophies that influenced colonization were mercantilism, imperialism, and religious motivations. These ideologies shaped the motivations and actions of European powers during the Age of Colonization, leading to the establishment of vast colonial empires around the world.