colonial period
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colonial period
The historical era in which European powers conquered, ruled, and administered overseas territories as colonies.
Viele afrikanische Staaten erlangten erst nach dem Ende der Kolonialzeit ihre Unabhängigkeit.
Many African countries only gained their independence after the end of the colonial period.
The word is composed of the adjective 'kolonial' (colonial) and the noun 'die Zeit' (time/period). 'Kolonial' is derived from 'die Kolonie' (colony) and describes everything related to colonies.
Die Architektur in dieser Stadt stammt noch aus der Kolonialzeit.
The architecture in this city still dates from the colonial period.
As a term for an era, 'die Kolonialzeit' (the colonial period) is often used with temporal prepositions. Typical phrases are 'in der Kolonialzeit' (in the colonial period), 'während der Kolonialzeit' (during the colonial period), or 'aus der Kolonialzeit' (from the colonial period).
Während der Kolonialzeit wurden viele Rohstoffe aus den Kolonien nach Europa gebracht.
During the colonial period, many raw materials were brought from the colonies to Europe.
The word is often used in historical and political discussions. Common collocations are 'das Erbe der Kolonialzeit' (the legacy of the colonial period), 'die Aufarbeitung der Kolonialzeit' (the process of coming to terms with the colonial period), or 'das Ende der Kolonialzeit' (the end of the colonial period).
Die Aufarbeitung der Kolonialzeit ist ein wichtiges Thema in vielen Museen.
Coming to terms with the colonial period is an important topic in many museums.
imperialism
'Imperialismus' and 'Kolonialzeit' both have to do with the power of European states over other countries. 'Imperialismus' mainly describes the political goal or policy: a state wants to expand its power. 'Kolonialzeit' refers more to the historical period in which territories were conquered and administered as colonies. They can be confused because imperialism was an important part of the colonial period. In practical terms: for ideas, power politics, and expansion, 'Imperialismus' fits; for an era or historical period, 'Kolonialzeit' fits.
Viele Länder leiden bis heute unter den Folgen der Kolonialzeit.
Many countries still suffer today from the consequences of the colonial period.
Im Geschichtsunterricht sprechen wir über den Imperialismus der europäischen Großmächte.
In history class, we are talking about the imperialism of the European great powers.