How are colonies in various parts of the world especially Africa-- started?

Question

How are colonies in various parts of the world especially Africa-- started?

Answer 1

There was no one way.

After establishing their superior wealth and technology, the British tended to pick native people to run them, and they gave that small elite group tons of $$ and weapons.  This was called indirect rule.  Notable exceptions to this are in kenya and South Africa, where they settled.  

The French were more hands on.  They tried to make over the culture and education of the people.  This was called direct rule, or assimilation.

Answer 2

I think the usual way it worked was as follows:  Europeans show up with guns and demonstrate how said guns work.  Native peoples realize they are screwed and surrender after possibly fighting back for a while.  Europeans send more troops and then civilians to live in the new colony.  Europeans build up new social order with themselves at the top and the original inhabitants relegated to second-class citizens (or slaves).