Precolonial Postcolonialism

On Wednesday, when we were talking about The Tempest as a postcolonial work, I couldn't help but to think about the fact that colonialism during Shakespeare's time was minimal at best.  This is the genius of Shakespeare.  The ability to realize an issue like colonial-native relations at a point where the British Empire was only beginning to stretch its arms around the globe.  I know this seems like a small comment, but just the simplicity of something like this amazes me.