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The West dominated the world in the 1800's when the New Imperialism started. Europe was getting a better economy because of the Industrial Revolution and they had stronger governments than they used to; this was why they were able to expand. Those power gains and all of the other affects of the Industrial Revolution (better technology and better military) are what made this imperialism new. Europe's three main reasons were 1. economic interests---overseas they could get more resources and markets to sell their products, 2. political and military interests---this meant that gaining land gave some countries a better sense of nationalism and pride in their country (it gave them more prestige) and because the military needed bases for their warships and things like that, and 3. the humanitarian goals---some westerners felt "the white man's burden", that it was their responsibility to help and take care of the uncivilized people they took over, and also to spread Christianity. Also, to an imperialist, having the ability to take over a group of people showed that one had racial superiority over them. Imperialistic rule was usually in one of these three forms: colonization, having a protectorate, or having a sphere of influence. Not that Europeans didn't have trouble taking over all of those places, they did sometimes meet resistance but none of the people they were taking over were able to stand up to Europe's machine guns and warships. Europe was very successful in their expansion.
And yet another solid response. I like the way you developing your thinking so that you really offer in-depth explanations. Sometimes, when those thoughts keep going, the sentences do too! :) Please go over this post again for that final polish.
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