How long does colonization take?

I am assuming a semi-civilized or civilized nation-state here (Southeast Asia, Northern Africa, etc).
How long does it take for a foreign country from having military contact with another state to annexing it completely?
In a case for Korea, for example, I believe it is 35 years (1875:contact with modernized Japan=>1910:complete annexation by Japan).
Would there be a general time-frame for the sequence? thanks.
 
There is no universal, it has taken different amounts of time in almost every case.

Aye, Zanzibar went from being independent but European influenced to a colony in under 20 minutes, while it was over a century from British governance of Bombay to rule over the Marathas (and more like 2 for the Raj as a whole).
 
There are so many, many factors. How far is the colony from the homeland? How dedicated is the homeland to colonizing this place? What are the draws, advantages, and disadvantages to doing so? How do the natives feel about colonization? How strongly can they resist if they disaprove? Are there natives there in the first place? What are the colonizers' attitudes towards natives, et vice versa?
 
I think a major factor is how important the territory is to whatever country is colonizing it. Is it important strategically or economically? If so then we'll see rapid colonization, similar in a way to Japan and Korea. If its a glamor or prestige colony, it will probably be slower and a but halfassed, like huge sections of Africa during the 19th century.
 
No constants, but you can play with the following possible rules:

1. Size matters. The smaller the state is, the easier the imperialist power can either subdue or exert economic power over it.

2. How powerful is the central authority? This can cut both ways. On one hand, if the state is highly centralized, decapitation or subjugating the ruling elite can bring the entire state under your control (ie Inca Empire). On the other hand, if the state is decentralized with numerous semi-autonomus regional leaders, you can play bribe, divide, and conquer (India).

3. How badly do you want this place? The more strategically important or wealthy a potential colony is the more effort you will take to incorporate it - which can translate into speed.

4. How about missionaries? Is your dominant religion always seeking converts aggressively (Christianity and Islam come to mind)? Is the potential colony in one way or another not equipped or willing to exclude your missionaries?
 
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