Imperialism needed two things to work?

Answer 1

Imperialism required both economic motivations and a sense of cultural superiority. Economically, imperial powers sought new markets and resources to fuel their industrial growth. Culturally, they often justified their expansion through ideologies like the "civilizing mission," believing they were bringing progress and enlightenment to "lesser" societies. This combination of economic interests and ideological justification facilitated the expansion of empires.