What were some forms of imperialism

The Colony:  

A territory or piece of land governed directly by a foreign power. The governing power may exercise direct rule through soldiers and officials, forcing the natives into submission, or the power may exercise indirect rule, administering the colony through the native aristocracy and westernizing the upper-class.

Direct: 

In a direct rule, a colony would be governed by foreign officials while no self-rule was given to natives. The goal was assimilation of the colony into an empire. Government institutions were based on European governments. The Belgian King Leopold II practiced the most brutal style of direct rule in the Belgian Congo. Almost 10,000,000 Congolese were killed in his entire rule. France also often practiced direct rule of her colonies. Vietnam, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia are notable examples.    

Indirect:  

In an indirectly ruled colony, local government officials might be used, while the native upper-class was given limited self-rule over the colony. The goal was to Westernize future leaders of a colony in order to perpetuate a power’s control. This was accomplished in Raj India under the British East India Tea Company until the Sepoy Rebellion. After the rebellion was put down, the British Government assumed direct rule over the colony.

The Sphere-of-Influence:   

When a foreign power exercises control over another country’s trade and economy. China was divided into various spheres-of -influence by European powers so that they could obtain exclusive trade rights with Chinese ports. Often, Europeans would abuse trade with China because of Extraterritoriality rights granted to Europe.  

Economic Imperialism:  

As a relatively hidden form of rule, Economic Imperialism is practiced when a private company controls a less developed country. Early examples include the Dole Fruit Company controlling Hawaii before it became a state, the East India Tea Company’s control of Raj India, and The Congo Free State’s issuing of permits to businesses for exclusive rights to land and people.