What were the major political ideologies that justified colonization?

During the Age of Colonization, several major political ideologies emerged that justified colonization. These ideologies were often used by European powers to legitimize their expansion and control over foreign territories. The three major political ideologies that justified colonization were mercantilism, nationalism, and the concept of the "civilizing mission."

1. Mercantilism: Mercantilism was an economic theory prevalent during the 16th to 18th centuries. It emphasized the accumulation of wealth and the belief that a nation's economic strength depended on its ability to export more than it imported. Colonies were seen as valuable sources of raw materials and markets for finished goods, enabling the colonizing powers to maintain a favorable balance of trade. European nations justified colonization as a means to secure resources, establish trade routes, and increase their economic power.

2. Nationalism: Nationalism, the belief in the superiority and distinctiveness of one's own nation, played a significant role in justifying colonization. European powers viewed colonization as a way to expand their influence and establish dominance over other nations. They believed that colonizing foreign territories would enhance their national prestige, strengthen their military power, and promote their cultural and political values. Nationalism fueled the desire for territorial expansion and the establishment of overseas empires.

3. The Civilizing Mission: The concept of the "civilizing mission" was a justification used by European powers to legitimize their colonization efforts. It was based on the belief that European civilization was superior to other cultures and that it was the duty of the colonizers to bring progress, enlightenment, and civilization to the indigenous peoples of the colonized territories. This ideology often masked the exploitative nature of colonization, as it portrayed the colonizers as benevolent agents of progress and development.

These major political ideologies provided justifications for colonization during the Age of Colonization. However, it is important to note that these ideologies were often used to rationalize the subjugation, exploitation, and cultural assimilation of indigenous populations, leading to significant consequences for both the colonizers and the colonized.