Frequently the two concepts are treated as synonyms. al (kə-lō′nē-əl) adj. The Mission Civilisatrice (1890-1945) The old French empire was founded on the belief that France had a "mission civilisatrice", to civilize the natives. One of the difficulties in defining colonialism is that it is hard to distinguish it from imperialism. See more.

2. often Colonial a. 1. British Empire definition: (formerly) the United Kingdom and the territories under its control, which reached its... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Of or relating to the 13 British colonies that became the original United States of America. Imperialism definition, the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies.

3. often Colonial Of, … The Dutch Empire consisted of the overseas territories controlled by the Netherlands from the 17th to the 20th century. b. The geographic and political units formerly under British control, including dominions, colonies, dependencies, trust territories, and protectorates. The Dutch followed Portugal and Spain in establishing an overseas colonial empire, aided by their skills in shipping and trade and the surge of nationalism accompanying the struggle for independence from Spain. Of or relating to the colonial period in the United States.

Colonialism is a practice of domination, which involves the subjugation of one people to another. Of, relating to, possessing, or inhabiting a colony or colonies. British Empire synonyms, British Empire pronunciation, British Empire translation, English dictionary definition of British Empire.