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What was Great Britain's political motive for acquiring new territories?

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Final answer:

Great Britain's political motive for acquiring territories was to expand influence, maintain global dominance, and secure economic growth through mercantilism and enforcement of trade laws.

Step-by-step explanation:

Great Britain’s political motive for acquiring new territories during the era of imperialism was rooted in a desire to expand their international influence and maintain their status as a dominant global power. The mercantilist policies implemented during this time were critical in securing economic prosperity by ensuring a constant flow of raw materials from the colonies, which in turn supported British industry and trade. The Navigation Acts and the establishment of the Board of Trade aided in strengthening the economic ties between the mother country and its colonies. In the face of massive debt from wars such as the Seven Years' War, the British government sought to secure and enforce trade laws and raise revenue. Politically, Great Britain competed fiercely with other industrial powers to prevent encroachment on their possessions, enhancing their empire’s security and size.

User Eric Lease
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Final answer:

Great Britain had political motives for acquiring new territories in the 19th century, including expanding their empire and preventing encroachment on their possessions. Acquiring new territories allowed them to gain resources, control trade routes, and strengthen their military presence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Great Britain had several political motives for acquiring new territories during the 19th century. One motive was to expand their empire and increase their political power. By acquiring new territories, they could gain more resources, control trade routes, and strengthen their military presence. For example, Great Britain competed with Russia for control of Afghanistan to limit Russian access to their valuable colony, India.

Another political motive was to prevent encroachment on their possessions by other industrial powers. By acquiring new territories, they could establish dominance over those regions and ensure that their colonies were not threatened by other nations.

User Pkarfs
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