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Economic Imperialism Economic motivation was a key factor behind the nineteenth century imperialism. Imperialism had many factors, including The Industrial Revolutions of the 19th century. The Industrial Revolution created new industries and new markets, as well as great need for the importing and exporting of goods. Investors and political leaders that were hungry for creating and enlarging their empire were also influential to the imperialism of the sass’s.
New industries that were created during he rise and success of the Industrial revolution needed a vast supply of materials and goods that were not produced in Europe. This demand for goods increased the necessity for trade, which ultimately motivated imperialism. The European nations sought to discover new trade routes to other states and countries to buy and sell goods. Europe had modernized their military, and created a strong and powerful Navy. Thy used military force and intimidation to obtain new areas to trade. Europe obtained many Spheres of influence, most dominant in China and East Asia.
Other nations were heavily influenced by the European trading and began their quest for importing and exporting goods. Europe had the most territory and control during the sass’s and an expanding empire. The expansion of markets and manufacturing, as well as the modernization of the other nations provided Europe with competition. The introduction of the steam engine, and the railroad were beneficial to Imperialism. These new inventions made it easier to transport goods and to communicate with nations that were far away.
The desire to build empires was a prominent factor in Imperialism. Motivated by the search for profit and propelled by competition The Scramble for Africa (1884-1912) began, a competition to acquire African colonies. Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain all acquired territory. Most of Africa fell under France or British rule. Imperialism was not solely about gaining control over other nations and building an empire, but also creating a labor force. Indigenous populations were sought out and paid low wages for their labor.
The products created were sold for much more, creating capital. The wages paid were based off of living cost, rather than for the quality and duration of labor. Rapid growth of the population and modernization and arbitration were also key roles during the nineteenth century imperialism. Economic motivation was not exclusively the cause of the nineteenth century, though it was the key factory. The need for expansion and aspiration to build an empire, and gain control were other equally important factors. By egalitarianism