ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the argument that the colonial heritage has meant a huge difference, mainly by hindering the development of countries subjugated to the domination of the Europeans. The British also perhaps pursued a more flexible policy of dismantling colonialism once the demand for independence could no longer be rejected. Colonialism, or the subjugation of less advanced countries by more advanced countries, was such a violent process that it is quite natural to ask afterwards whether it was worthwhile. The Dutch, British and French Empires followed, together with the Portuguese expansion, into all continents. Interestingly, colonial legacies do have an impact on the developmental outcomes, but the findings deviate from the arguments advanced. Colonial legacies are relevant for understanding Third World countries. Democracy, human development and gender empowerment is positively associated with a longer period of colonial rule while a longer period of independence is associated with affluence and economic growth.
