What are two basic methods of management European rulers used for their colonies?

European rulers primarily employed two basic methods of management for their colonies: direct rule and indirect rule. Direct rule involved the establishment of a centralized administration where colonial powers directly control governance, often replacing local leaders with their own officials. In contrast, indirect rule allowed local rulers to maintain their authority under the supervision of colonial powers, using existing political structures to facilitate control while minimizing administrative costs. Both methods aimed to consolidate power and extract resources from the colonies.