The major colonial powers of Europe were France, Britain, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. By the 1970's, most colonial empires had broken up. Nations have sought colonies chiefly to gain economic benefits. They have wanted land and such valuable products as diamonds, gold, and spices for themselves. In addition, nations have practiced colonialism to increase their reputation among other nations, to gain military advantages, and to spread their religion to other peoples.
Some people believe that widespread colonialism still exists.
However, this definition is not widely accepted. Other people use the term neocolonialism for the indirect control they believe is exercised by developed nations over developing nations. According to these people, many developing nations depend on investment capital from developed nations. Such dependence supposedly allows the developed nations to take advantage of the developing ones. This article discusses colonialism as it is generally defined.