Final answer:
Technological advancements, economic competition, and military conquest were key factors that facilitated the creation of European empires in Africa, with cultural exchange acting more as a post-hoc justification for imperialism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The creation of European empires in Africa during the late 19th century was facilitated primarily by technological advancements, such as superior weapons and medical protections against tropical diseases, which allowed Europeans to dominate indigenous populations. Economic competition among European nations drove them to acquire new territories for access to raw materials, like diamonds and gold, to fuel their industries and trade networks. Also significant was military conquest, where European powers used their technological superiority to subjugate and colonize African societies. Lastly, there was an ideological aspect, as the concept of the "civilizing mission" was used to justify imperialism under the guise of cultural exchange, though this was less a facilitator and more a rationalization for the domination that took place.