Which of the following regions did not fall under British control during the first phase of colonialism?

The region that did not fall under British control during the first phase of colonialism is China. While China did experience significant foreign influence and colonial pressures, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was not fully colonized by Britain in the same way as other regions. Instead, China was subjected to a series of unequal treaties that granted extraterritorial rights and various concessions to foreign powers, including Britain, without establishing direct colonial governance.

In contrast, West Africa, India, and the Americas were regions where the British established colonies and exerted direct control. This included the establishment of formal British colonies, settlements, and administrative systems, which marked the first phase of colonial expansion from the late 16th century through the 19th century. The colonial activities in these areas included significant economic exploitation and significant social and cultural transformations driven by British interests.