By the end of the 19th century, England and France had built a huge colonial empire in Asia and Africa. Some countries of the world like Germany, Italy, Russia and Japan also wanted to increase their sphere of influence and create their colonies in Asia and Africa. These colonies were essential for their progress as they could provide raw materials for their industries and markets for their finished products. Besides, acquiring colonies would add to the power and prestige of these countries. This led to a clash of interest among these countries. Thus aggressive nationalism and fierce economic competition filled the atmosphere with fear, apprehension, mutual hatred and international tension.