How did the colonial experience differ between settler and non-settler colonies?

Settler colonies were primarily inhabited by European settlers, while non-settler colonies were dominated by indigenous populations.

In settler colonies, the primary goal was to establish a new society that mirrored the home country. These colonies, such as those in North America and Australia, were largely populated by European settlers who intended to make these lands their permanent home. They brought with them their culture, religion, and social norms, which they imposed on the indigenous populations. The settlers often seized land from the indigenous people, leading to conflict and, in many cases, the decimation of the native populations due to disease, warfare, and forced labour.

In contrast, non-settler colonies, such as those in Africa and Asia, were primarily exploited for their resources. The European powers had little interest in permanently settling these lands. Instead, they established administrative structures to control the local populations and extract resources. The indigenous populations were often subjected to harsh labour conditions and were denied basic rights. However, they maintained a majority and continued to practice their own cultures and traditions, albeit under the control and influence of the colonial powers.

The relationship between the colonisers and the colonised also differed significantly. In settler colonies, the settlers viewed themselves as superior to the indigenous populations and sought to 'civilise' them through the imposition of their own culture and religion. This often led to the marginalisation and oppression of the indigenous people. In non-settler colonies, the colonial powers often ruled through local elites, using a system of indirect rule. This allowed them to maintain control with a minimal presence and often led to the creation of a small, westernised elite within the indigenous population.

In terms of economic development, settler colonies often developed more diversified economies, with agriculture, industry, and trade playing significant roles. Non-settler colonies, on the other hand, were often forced into a monoculture, with their economies focused on the extraction of a single resource for export to the home country. This left them vulnerable to economic fluctuations and hindered their development.

Overall, the colonial experience was shaped by the goals and attitudes of the colonial powers, with settler colonies being characterised by permanent settlement and cultural imposition, and non-settler colonies by resource extraction and indirect rule.