Colonialism, at its core, refers to the practice of one country establishing control over another, typically by settling its own population and exploiting the resources, labor, and markets of the colonized region. This system of domination, which spans several centuries, began to take on its modern form during the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries. However, its roots can be traced back to earlier periods in history, when ancient empires expanded their territories through military conquest, trade, and settlement. Colonialism, as it is most commonly understood today, is a product of European powers' ambition to extend their political and economic influence across the globe.

The motivations for colonial expansion were multifaceted. European nations were driven by the desire for wealth, resources, and new trading routes. The establishment of colonies in foreign lands provided access to valuable commodities such as spices, precious metals, and later, sugar, cotton, and tobacco. Equally important was the drive for prestige, as colonial ventures served to enhance a nation's status on the global stage. Religion, too, played a crucial role; missionaries sought to spread Christianity to indigenous populations, often justifying the subjugation of these peoples in the name of religious salvation.

Technological advancements during the late medieval period enabled European nations to explore and map distant lands. Navigational tools like the compass, the astrolabe, and advances in shipbuilding made transoceanic voyages possible, laying the groundwork for the so-called "Age of Discovery." Figures such as Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan were among the first to chart new routes to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Their voyages marked the beginning of an era in which European powers, armed with superior weaponry and navigational skills, would expand their reach to the furthest corners of the globe.