Final answer:
Britain colonized India and Australia, and established spheres of influence in China, characterizing them as the dominant imperial force during the New Imperialism era defined by industrialization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The European nation that colonized India and Australia and had spheres of influence in China was Britain. During the era of New Imperialism, one important feature that shaped this period but not the era of Old Imperialism was industrialization. The correct answer to the question is C) Britain; Industrialization. The British Empire was motivated by a combination of economic interests, strategic concerns, and the belief in spreading Western civilization. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, this empire expanded its influence through the use of advanced technology, transportation, and military power.
Imperialism changed in nature during the New Imperialism era because industrialization allowed European powers to exert even more control over their colonies. This control was achieved through the use of advanced weaponry, significantly improved transportation infrastructure such as ships and railways, and the industrial hunger for raw materials and markets.
Colonized peoples faced aggressive economic, military, and political power that forced them to trade on European terms, often displacing their traditional industries with industrially produced goods. The British effectively implemented such strategies in regions like India, Australia, and spheres of influence in China.