Final answer:
Western leaders pursued colonies to gain economic resources and power, secure raw materials, and establish markets for their goods. Examples include the British colonization of South Africa for its gold and diamonds and strategic dominance over regions like Afghanistan to protect Indian interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many Western leaders felt they needed colonies in a global empire primarily to Gain economic resources and power. During the age of imperialism, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, European nations were motivated by the need to secure raw materials to fuel their burgeoning industrial economies. These resources were crucial for maintaining and enhancing the economic prosperity of the colonial powers' homelands.
The discovery of precious commodities such as diamonds and gold in regions like South Africa drew the attention of European powers. The British Empire's conquest and subjugation of native peoples, like the Zulu Nation, are historical examples of how superior technology in weapons and medicine facilitated control over such lucrative lands. These colonies provided not only raw materials but also markets for industrially produced goods from Europe, often causing traditional local industries to falter.
Furthermore, the European imperial powers sought to secure and expand their influence to deter other competing nations from encroaching on their interests. For instance, the conflict between Great Britain and Russia over Afghanistan was largely a strategic move by the British to protect their influential colony of India from Russian advances. The economic rationale for imperialism was sometimes masked under the guise of 'civilizing missions'; yet, the impact on colonized peoples was often brutal exploitation and the destruction of local societies and environments.