Final answer:
The primary purpose of colonialism was economic, as European countries sought to extract raw materials and create markets for their industries. This involved exploiting native populations and disrupting their cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary purpose behind colonialism as it was practiced during the 18th and 19th centuries by the nations of Europe was economic. European countries sought to establish colonies to extract raw materials for their industries and to create markets for their manufactured goods. This involved brutalizing and exploiting native populations, forcing them to work on plantations and in mines, and disrupting their cultures and societies.