Many governments throughout history have seized lands in other places in order to rule them from afar. These lands exist mainly to profit the home country, and provide a place where settlers can populate the land without regard to the native inhabitants. The home country exercises control over the colony and drains it of resources. Colonies located in America, India, South Africa, and Vietnam are examined in depth. Carefully chosen documents and images illuminate the long lasting effects of colonial governments on both the home country and the colonized lands.