Final answer:
European industrialized states displayed imperialistic tendencies, seeking to control global regions rich in natural resources for political, economic, and cultural reasons. Improved technology enabled them to dominate areas in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, often leading to competition among European powers for influence and resources like diamonds and gold.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evidence of European Imperialism
The industrialized European states exhibited a forceful presence on the global stage, motivated by various political, economic, and cultural aspirations. The pursuit of dominance and control over natural resources was justified by imperialism, a policy that allowed for direct or indirect governance of resource-rich regions. These powers, aided by advancements in transportation, communication, weaponry, and medicine, established their rule over territories in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
Business owners and politicians felt the need to acquire and rule over distant countries to secure markets for their goods and access to raw materials. Through measures such as military conquests, European nations like Great Britain sought to fend off competition from other powers, such as Russia, with fierce rivalry erupting over places like Afghanistan and India.
The late 19th century saw the Berlin Conference where European nations divided Africa amongst themselves, disregarding native populations and establishing colonial rule to access the continent's mineral wealth and agricultural potential. Industries in Europe longed for resources like diamonds, gold, and oil, and competed to establish settlements and colonies to prevent domination by other states.
This era of imperialism, marked by the spread of European colonies and protectorates, was also propelled by cultural motivations like the spread of Christianity and Western societal models. However, this often clashed with the traditions and resistance of the colonized peoples.