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Colonialism & Dependency Theory
Colonialism, Dependency Theory
Author:
Syed Ali
Edu Level: Unit2
Date: Aug 13 2025 - 7:45 PM
⏱️Read Time: 2 min
Colonialism
Colonialism refers to the practice where a powerful nation directly controls and exploits weaker territories for its own political and economic benefit. This often involves the global expansion of capitalism to secure resources, markets, and strategic advantage. (Collins Dictionary)
Colonialism in the Caribbean
- European powers, such as Britain, France, and Spain, took control of Caribbean islands, setting up their own systems of government.
- Colonies were prohibited from trading with other European powers—trade was strictly between the colony and its “mother country.”
- Colonies became dependent on their colonial rulers, who introduced the plantation system and monoculture (cultivation of a single crop, e.g., sugarcane).
- Indigenous peoples were exploited as cheap labour, later replaced by enslaved Africans and indentured labourers.
- Britain, in particular, became a highly industrialised nation due to the wealth extracted from its colonies.
- The plantation economy created a narrow economic base and little diversification—dangerous for long-term stability.
- Britain attempted to unify the region through the West Indian Federation (1958–1962), but it collapsed largely due to British policies, political division, poor communication, and economic disparities between territories.
Problems Caused by Colonialism
- Land inequality: fertile lowlands were reserved for large-scale plantations, while small farmers were forced onto less fertile, hilly lands.
- Economic dependence: colonies exported raw materials and imported manufactured goods, which hindered economic development.
- Lack of industrial growth: emphasis on primary production limited the development of secondary industries.
- Restricted regional trade: colonial trade rules discouraged Caribbean islands from trading with each other.
Dependency Theory
- Developed by Latin American and Caribbean scholars in the 1970s.
- Argues that underdevelopment is a result of economic dependence on more developed countries (MDCs).
- Creates centre–periphery relationships:
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- Internationally: goods and resources flow from the Caribbean (periphery) to MDCs (centre).
- Locally: resources flow from rural areas to capital cities, then abroad.
- Trade favours MDCs—Caribbean exports are low-value primary goods, while imports are high-value manufactured goods, causing trade deficits.
- Globalisation often reinforces dependency rather than reducing it.
- Suggested strategies for development:
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- Regional trade agreements
- Trade barriers to protect local industries
- Greater government control over transnational corporations
