The concepts covered in this factsheet go beyond those seen in secondary school. It is intended as a supplement for those who are curious to find out more.
From the earliest voyages of European explorers to the Americas, the powerful kingdoms of the day laid their hands on new lands that were full of potential riches. The Europeans soon came into contact with the various indigenous peoples who inhabited these territories. These encounters sometimes led to alliances and other times to conflict.
For Europeans and Aboriginals alike, these new encounters were not without consequences. The colonising approach of each country varied according to the era and the advantages offered by the new territory:
Many groups suffered the negative consequences of the colonisation of America, in particular Aboriginal peoples and African slaves. In addition, European colonisation made the colonised territories dependent on the metropolises.
A large proportion of the Aboriginal peoples in all regions of America did not survive the massive arrival of Europeans. They generally succumbed to infectious diseases, combat, forced labour or slavery. The majority of the Aboriginal population perished following their encounter with the Europeans.
The surviving groups saw their culture and way of life imposed by the settlers. The culture, language, way of life, traditions and beliefs of the original occupants all but disappeared during colonisation. Europeans forced people to convert to Christianity. These Aboriginal converts sometimes found it difficult to recognise Christian values in the actions of the colonists.
For many years, Aboriginal people were considered inferior to Europeans. Their hunting grounds were destroyed or cleared, some were forced into exile and others were massacred. People in exile were forced to live on reserves, far from their traditional territories. Nomadic groups had to give up their way of life and start living sedentary lives. All indigenous peoples had to fight for recognition of their rights, their culture and their language.
When we take into account the slavery practices of the great colonial empires, it is easier to understand how these empires became rich. If we look at the situation from another angle, we soon realise that the slaves and tribes of Africa suffered greatly from European expansion.
Several factors have made the colonised territories dependent on the metropolises. This dependence has led to an impoverishment of social structures and natural resources. This impoverishment affects territories in both America and Africa.
Firstly, the metropolises developed economic activities that suited them. The economy of the colonies was therefore not varied enough to be independent and strong. Secondly, the metropolises relied on the development of the colonies based on a few limited products. The colonies exploited natural resources quickly and intensively.
So colonisation was carried out not by developing the autonomy of the territories, but by ensuring that the profits of the metropolises increased.Who benefited from colonisation in America?
If we look at all the concepts associated with the colonisation of America, we can say that it was the great colonial empires that benefited most. Whether it was Spain, England, Portugal or France, these empires organised an entire system to fill their coffers.
European countries set up the triangular trade in order to harvest the natural resources of the colonised lands. As no ships travelled empty, all stages of the trade were profitable.
One aspect of the triangular trade in particular helped to enrich the European kingdoms. The latter were able to develop their colonial territories without paying for the work carried out by the workforce, while at the same time strengthening their power in Africa and America through slavery.
All the resources exploited in America went almost directly into the coffers of the metropolises: precious metals, agricultural produce, furs and other American products.
The Spanish Empire probably benefited the most from the profitability offered by precious metals such as gold and silver. It is estimated that 1/5 of colonial profits went directly into Spanish coffers.
These Spanish adventurers never hesitated to appropriate part of the treasures they brought back. To avoid being claimed by the kings, the conquistadors did not declare this portion and kept it for themselves. As well as making material profits, the conquistadors also took advantage of colonisation to climb the hierarchical ladder and gain roles and tasks of power and control in America.
All the owners of the large agricultural plantations also benefited from colonisation. With a large free labour force at their disposal, they were able to make huge profits from the sugar, tobacco and cotton harvests. What's more, these wealthy owners allowed their families and their descendants to control part of the land and the profits for a long time.