What Were The General Motives For Imperialism?
1. Political- motives based on a nations desire to gain power, to compete with other European countries, to gain prestige from winning colonies, and to boost national pride. 2. Religious- motives included the desire to spread Christianity, to protect missionaries, to educate natives, and to end the slave trade. 3. Ideological- motives based on cultural values such as the white race was superior and other cultures were “primitive.” Europeans should civilize other people. Ex) religion, government, etc. 4. Military- motives based on the expansion of strategic territory and the ability to exercise military force. 5. Economic- motives based on desire to make money and expand foreign trade. Europeans wanted to open new markets, acquire raw materials, and cheap labor to aid their industrialization and scientific research.
