Between the 18th and 19th century the rate of colonial expansion grew rapidly as
European
nations were determined to gain power over other countries, islands, and territories
through the
exertion of power and influence. This later become known as New Imperialism. One of the
main
causes for the rise of imperialism was the Industrial Revolution. As these European nations
developed through different inventions that proved to be lucrative such as, steel machines
and
textiles, the need for raw materials increased. Because it was believed that these raw
materials
were available in Africa and Asia, manufacturers saw colonial expansion into those
continents as
an opportunity to make money and provide jobs as they expanded their markets. As they
moved
in and colonized on these profitable countries they would then have to colonize the
surrounding
territories to protect the borders of that country which also added to the rise in imperialism.
As these Western countries and European nations were on the rise so was the competition
amongst them. Nationalism was another cause for the rise of imperialism during that time.
It
became a race to see who colonized the most countries as each country felt that their
nation was
most superior and land equaled power. Just like a soldier with no medals, a country was
not
considered high in ranks if it had no colonized countries to show for it. Nations took
advantage
of as many colonies as they could to be in the top ranks economically and for high status.