How did colonialism impact the socio-economic structures in colonized countries?

Colonialism greatly changed the social and economic systems in the countries that were colonized. When a foreign power took control, they often focused on extracting resources and wealth from the land, which meant that local economies were disrupted. For example, in many African countries, the colonizers took valuable resources like gold and diamonds, leaving local people with little to support themselves. This created a system where the colonizers became rich, while the local communities became poorer and more dependent. As a result, colonialism not only altered the economy but also affected social structures, leading to inequalities that can still be seen today.