Final answer:
Option (a), The primary motivation for 19th century imperialism was largely economic in nature, as imperial powers sought access to raw materials, new markets, and cheap labor, which were key for the economic expansion of the industrialized nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Imperialism Motivations Overview
When discussing the primary reasons behind the implementation of imperialism in the 19th century, it's important to recognize that several factors played a role, including economic gain, the sense of cultural superiority, national security, and humanitarianism. However, the overarching driving force was economic in nature. The industrialized nations were in search of raw materials and markets for their goods, which justified their imperialistic practices.
The acquisition of colonies often resulted in the brutalization and exploitation of native populations for the benefit of the imperial powers. Despite this, some believed they were also spreading beneficial cultural and religious ideals.
The pursuit of economic gain is often cited as the biggest part of imperialism. This included accessing raw materials, expanding markets for finished goods, and finding cheap labor. In addition, gaining control of strategic territories bolstered the national security of imperial powers and provided them further economic and political advantages on the global stage.
Also, the purported aims of bringing cultural refinement and humanitarian aid were used to justify imperialism, despite often proving harmful to local populations. Each imperial power's motivations could be mixed, with economic interests frequently at the core, complemented by political and cultural rationale.