Colonial rule refers to the period when powerful countries established control over foreign territories, often through military conquest or settlement. This control allowed the colonizers to exploit resources, impose their culture, and govern the local population. Examples include the British Empire in India and the Spanish Empire in the Americas. During colonial rule, indigenous peoples frequently faced significant changes to their social structures, economies, and ways of life. Many were subjected to harsh labor conditions and had their rights diminished. The legacy of colonialism continues to influence global relations and local cultures today.