When European powers infiltrated foreign territories, the original form of the people, economy, and political ways was interrupted. In many cases, leadership was re-established by the European power taking over which caused a lot of turmoil among the natives. Large amounts of the native population died due to maltreatment and malnourishment, over-working, violence, and exposure to foreign diseases. The European powers would also completely take over profit made from the natural resources, and in many cases the natural resources would become completely exhausted and dry up.

By the time the European power left or was driven out of the territory, the native peoples' lives were so overturned that they were unable to function and fell into civil wars, further ravaging themselves.

Germany wanted to become powerful and have many colonies/territories, but they started trying too late. By the time they joined the race, England, France, Portugal, Spain, and Holland had already become the main imperial powers of Europe. Germany tried to squeeze in by undermining France or England, but their alliance was too strong. Due to this misfortune, Germany lost opportunities to make money and the tension began (especially when they attempted to take over European powers).

Decolonization (of Asia and Africa, 1945-1960) did not all happen at the same time, and it did not always occur in the same way. Some areas had a lot more tension, oppression, and overall upheaval of the natives' way of life, which in turn caused a revolution. A colony may have been expensive to maintain, but when utilized properly it would create a lot of revenue (which was worth fighting for). In other cases European powers welcomed new relationships with their former colonies and peacefully rescinded power of the territory.

While under European rule, territories were divided in non-strategic ways according to the natural make up of the area. For instance, the Middle East was divided in ways that grouped warring religious sects, and areas of Africa were split into groups who did not speak the same language.

Globalization resulted from imperialism because powerful countries opened trade networks--effectively opening communication of ideas, movement of people, and generating commerce. This process of global expansion pushed civilization forward into technological and social advancements that had previously never been imagined. For example, the Industrial Revolution was partially possible because of natural resources from European colonies, which acted as fuel for production in factories (examples: coal, cotton, ore).

In more recent times (the past century), countries around the world have begun to work together in organizations, such as the United Nations, in order to effectively maintain this process, as well as protect one another from outside threats.

Ethiopia was briefly occupied by Italy, but European nations were unsuccessful in their attempts to take over the territory. Ethiopia was an ancient civilization with deep roots, and its leader, Emperor Menelik II, was able to drive out the Italians at the Battle of Adwa.

Liberia was never taken by European nations because it had been created by the United States as a place for newly freed "African" slaves to return "home".

The affects of colonization and imperialism are still seen in current times because during the spread of powerful countries, people migrated (either by choice or force), resources were traded, animals migrated and mated with native species (creating new species), new countries were formed, and more. A perfect example of a result of colonization: the creation of the United States of America, and then its expansion (or imperialism) of what is now present-day USA.

Though formerly colonized by the Dutch, beginning in 1612 England assumed control of India, due mostly to the value of the spices and teas they could import from India. In 1947 India achieved independence.