Documents the rise and fall of colonial empires in North and South America, Africa, the Far East, and the Pacific region examining the political and cultural influences created by the imperial and colonial practices of the past.

The first great age of colonialism -- The challenges of running a colony -- Early resistance to colonialism -- "The sun never sets" : Britain's empire expands -- The new imperialism and scramble for Africa -- European mandates transform the Middle East -- The world remade : the end of colonialism.