Final answer:
Farmers and industrialists favored imperialism in the late 1800s because it provided access to affordable raw materials and new markets for selling goods produced during the Second Industrial Revolution. The surplus production and the need for expansion fueled the desire for overseas colonies that could supply resources and serve as captive markets. Advancements in technology made imperialism more feasible and profitable.
Step-by-step explanation:
Motivations for Imperialism
In the late 1800s, farmers and industrialists favored imperialism due to several key reasons. The industrialization that began in the 18th century had created the need for increased raw materials and new markets to sell manufactured goods. The Second Industrial Revolution saw the production of machines, steel, rubber, and chemicals, relying heavily on new sources of power like electricity and the internal combustion engine. As a consequence, the industrialized nations at the time, which included Britain, France, the United States, and others, were looking to expand into territories that could provide these raw materials and serve as new markets for their growing industrial outputs.
The agricultural improvements of the previous century meant fewer people were needed to work the land, allowing more people to work in factories. Consequently, there was an urgency to find markets for the surplus goods produced by these factories. Colonies became not only sources of raw materials but also markets as they were often compelled to purchase goods from their colonizers. Furthermore, improved transportation, communication, and weaponry, along with advances in medicine, facilitated the imposition of imperial control over other regions of the world, incentivizing the spread of European imperialism.
By possessing colonies, farmers and industrialists could gain a competitive advantage. Cheap resources from colonies reduced production costs, and exclusive markets ensured consistent demand for their products, increasing profits. Imperialism thus served as an economic tool to sustain and grow the power of the industrialized nations' economies.