The period characterized by intense colonial expansion by European powers, the United States, and Japan occurred primarily from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. This era witnessed the subjugation and control of vast territories, particularly in Africa and Asia, by these dominant nations.
This timeframe is significant because it shaped global political boundaries, economic systems, and cultural interactions that continue to resonate today. Resource exploitation, the imposition of political control, and the dissemination of Western ideologies dramatically altered the trajectory of colonized societies, contributing to both advancements and enduring inequalities.