The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Colonialism is not a modern phenomenon. World history is full of examples of one society gradually expanding by incorporating adjacent territory and settling its people on newly conquered territory. In the sixteenth century, colonialism changed decisively because of technological developments in navigation that began to connect more remote parts of the world. The modern European colonial project emerged when it became possible to move large numbers of people across the ocean and to maintain political control in spite of geographical dispersion. The term colonialism is used to describe the process of European settlement, violent dispossession and political domination over the rest of the world, including the Americas, Australia, and parts of Africa and Asia.
Answer: C
Main points of the passage:
- Colonialism is not a modern phenomenon but has existed for many centuries.
- It gained momentum due to advancement in navigational technologies.
- Colonialism is the process of European settlement over the rest of the world.
Option (a): The passage mentions Europeans and not specifically British. Hence, this is not the best summary.
Option (b): The passage talks about Europeans being able to move their people across geographies. It does not mention anything about displacement of indigenous populations. Hence, this is not the best summary.
Option (d): Colonialism has existed for many centuries. It wasn't conceptualized in sixth century, it gained momentum in sixth century. Hence, this is not the best summary.
Option (c): Captures the main points of the passage and is the best summary.
Hence, option (c).