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The goal of European countries that practiced imperialism was primarily to expand their power and influence across the world by acquiring colonies and territories. The motivations behind this expansion varied, but several key objectives can be identified:
1. Economic Gain : European nations sought to exploit the natural resources of the regions they colonized. This included materials like rubber, oil, gold, diamonds, and agricultural products. By controlling these resources, they aimed to boost their own economies.
2. Strategic Advantage : Some territories were acquired for their strategic importance, such as their location along important trade routes or their potential as military bases.
3. National Prestige : The number and extent of a country's colonies became a matter of national pride. The more territories a nation controlled, the more powerful and influential it was perceived to be.
4. Spread of Western Ideals : European imperialists often believed in the notion of the "civilizing mission," the idea that they were bringing civilization, Western-style governance, education, religion, and culture to what they considered "backward" societies.
5. Social and Political Reasons : With the social and economic changes in Europe, such as increases in population and the rise of the middle class, imperialism provided an outlet for migration and a way to alleviate social pressures at home. Furthermore, it provided new markets for European manufactured goods.
These goals were often pursued under ideologies such as Social Darwinism, which argued that the strongest societies would naturally prevail over the weaker ones, thereby justifying imperialist expansion as a natural and beneficial occurrence.