Imperial powers were motivated to expand their influence primarily for economic gain, seeking new markets for their goods and access to valuable Natural Resources. Additionally, national prestige and competition among European nations spurred the race for colonies, as acquiring vast territories was seen as a demonstration of power and superiority. The desire to spread cultural and religious beliefs also played a role, as imperialists often justified their expansion as a civilizing mission.
The primary motivation for French exploration was to establish trade routes, expand their overseas territories, and acquire resources such as furs and precious metals. The French also sought to spread Christianity and increase their colonial influence in competition with other European powers.
In 1914, several countries were actively seeking to expand their empires, most notably Germany, which aimed to compete with existing colonial powers like Britain and France. Austria-Hungary was also focused on consolidating its influence in the Balkans, while Russia sought to expand its territory and influence in Eastern Europe and the Near East. Additionally, Italy was looking to assert its ambitions in North Africa, reflecting a broader trend of imperial competition among European powers at the time.
Benefits for Imperial Powers
The British wanted to establish trading posts and forts on the Western coast of Africa. It did not want other big colonial powers like Germany and France to stake claim in Nigeria. Britain wanted to open markets for their manufactured products in Africa. They also wanted to expand their palm oil trade and ivory trade along its coasts. There were many illegal slave trading activities going on in Nigeria.
A competition between European imperial powers to control Africa
Japan fought in WWI to expand its influence on China and to increase its position in world rank of powers.
How can the powers of the branches expand or change over time
selfish motivation lead to political powers.
Unlike Great Britain, a significant motivation for Spain to explore and colonize the New World was the pursuit of wealth, particularly through the acquisition of gold and silver. The Spanish monarchy sought to expand its empire and increase its resources to compete with other European powers. Additionally, Spain aimed to spread Christianity and convert indigenous populations, reflecting both a spiritual and imperial ambition in their colonial endeavors.
japan
selfish motivation lead to political powers.
APEX - The imperial powers believed that they were spreading a superior culture in Africa and Asia