British colonialism

British colonialism refers to the historical expansion and rule of the British Empire over territories across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific.

The term encompasses both the political system—colonies governed from London—and the broader practices of economic extraction, cultural imposition, and settlement.

The effects of British colonialism are still visible in India's legal system.

Contemporary discussions often focus on its lasting consequences: borders drawn without regard to ethnic groups, wealth disparities, and ongoing debates about reparations and repatriation of cultural artifacts.