Question

After 1880, European nations sought colonies in Africa primarily because the Europeans were ______.

• A. In need of land for their surplus populations
• B. Competing of raw materials and markets
• C. Determined to bring Christianity to the Muslim world
• D. Interested in completing their geographic knowledge of the world

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Competing of raw materials and markets

The Industrial Revolution was the driving force behind European imperialism in foreign lands such as Africa. The industrialized countries of the West sought to expand their economies by obtaining raw materials which could be transported back to domestic factories, turned into manufactured goods, and shipped back to colonies markets for sale.