It was motivated by a desire to find new resources and markets.
New Imperialism was a period of colonial expansion in the late 19th century. The European states set up colonies and trading posts in Africa and many carried missionary activities.
The main goal/purpose/motive for this expansion were:
- the economic motive: The Western states were looking for new raw materials for sale such as rubber, oil and tin. They also wanted to control the market in their new conquered territories.
- the political motive: there was a need to show military strength and dominance over other countries.
- the religious motive: the Western countries wanted to spread Christianity and promote education, hoping that they can help to abolish slavery in Africa. They also wanted to civilize primitive people.
- the exploration motive: the European states wanted to explore new territories to find new resources that benefited them.