The shift from agrarian societies to industrialized ones created unprecedented demand for raw materials and new markets. Factories in Europe and North America required vast quantities of resources like cotton, rubber, and minerals, which were not readily available domestically. This burgeoning industrial production also generated a surplus of goods that needed to be sold beyond national borders to maintain economic growth and profitability.
This demand spurred an intense competition among industrialized nations for control of territories possessing the desired resources and potential markets. Establishing colonies in Africa, Asia, and other regions provided direct access to raw materials without reliance on potentially unstable or costly trade agreements. Furthermore, colonies offered captive markets for manufactured goods, ensuring a steady stream of revenue and solidifying economic dominance. This pursuit of resources and markets fueled a desire for political and military control over these areas.
