Colonial governance refers to the system of administration established by a colonial power to control and manage its colonies. This often involved appointing officials from the colonizing country to oversee local affairs, enforce laws, and collect taxes. The primary goal was to exploit resources and maintain order, often leading to significant changes in the social, economic, and political structures of the colonized regions. Colonial governance varied widely depending on the colonial power and the specific colony. For example, British colonial governance often utilized a system of indirect rule, allowing local leaders to maintain some authority, while French colonial governance typically imposed direct control. These systems shaped the development of many modern nations.