Final answer:
European countries colonized Africa for resources, economic gain, national prestige, and because they had advanced technology, which made colonization more feasible.
Step-by-step explanation:
European nations were eager to colonize Africa for a variety of reasons, four of which include:
- Access to raw materials: Colonies in Africa provided European powers with the natural resources needed to fuel their industries.
- Economic benefits: New markets for European goods were opened up, and the export of cash crops and minerals greatly enriched the colonizers.
- Military and geopolitical dominance: Having colonies enhanced national prestige and provided strategic advantages over rival powers.
- Technological advancement: Superior technology, especially in weaponry and medicine, allowed Europeans to overcome native resistance more effectively.
These factors combined made Africa a prime target for European colonization during the 19th century, leading to the Scramble for Africa and the division of the continent at the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885.