Final answer:
European nations did not legitimize imperialism due to the development of the colony's indigenous cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
European nations legitimized imperialism for various reasons, but one reason they did not legitimize imperialism was the development of the colony's indigenous cultures. European powers sought to acquire colonies primarily for economic motives such as gaining access to raw materials and expanding their markets. They also aimed to spread Christianity, which was one of the reasons they justified their imperialistic actions. However, the development of the colony's indigenous cultures was not a factor that European nations used to legitimize imperialism. Furthermore, the mercantilist system emphasized the importance of colonies in economic success, providing raw materials and markets for the home country's goods. Imperialist powers used their technological and military superiority, reinforced by ideologies like Social Darwinism, to dominate less developed regions.