Globalization Assessment Assignment 3: Research EssayQuestion 1: Why can European colonialism be seen as an earlier form of globalization?Colonialism is defined as the exploitation of a weaker country by of a stronger country with the aim of strengthening itself and enriching the resources of the dominant country. The European colonialism of its last five centuries shared similarities with other earlier colonialisms such as Egyptian, Phoenician, Greek, and Roman, but differed markedly from them (Macqueen 2007). Mainly because European colonialism was not focused and centered in a single region but shared and spread its religion, culture, economic, technological and political systems throughout the world during the colonial period, being at the same time highly competitive and ambitious throughout the world (Gillen & Gosh 2007). European colonialism left some positive and negative legacies, and the effects of both can be felt in the modern world today, even long after its fall in the 1950s. European colonialism is often perceived as an earlier form of globalization because it was an early expression of the trends toward exploration, trade, and control that continue to emerge as driving forces of globalization today (Gopinath 2008). Trade and Economy In the 15th century, the rulers of Portugal and Spain funded voyages of discovery that led to the globalization we know and understand today, which is a direct descendant of colonization and economic imperialism (Gopinath 2008). Their initial motivations were missionary and exploratory zeal, but ultimately, greater control and power lead to the desire for gold and riches aided by the ideology of mercantilism (Gopinath 2008). At the same time, Europe n...... middle of paper...... traditions and beliefs. Besides that, another major driving force of colonialism was religion. By moving to distant places, believers help religion globalize around the world. Conclusion To conclude, the trade and economic systems of European colonialism were a blessing that generated a rich and turbulent intellectual life that contributed to the acceleration of the global transformation that awaited us. Colonization integrated economies and culture and gave structure to sharing that previous periods had not done. From the 14th to the 20th century, trade, expansionism, and religion awakened nations and redrawn borders. Empires were built, societies were created, objects were exchanged. European colonialism contributed greatly to sowing the seeds that lead to today's globalization. Certainly European colonialism is one of the first forms of globalization.