Why did European nations want to colonize Africa?

Question

A.
to gain wealth from trade and natural resources
B.
to build the economies of African nations
C.
to teach Africans how to govern themselves independently
D.
to prevent Asian nations from gaining control in Africa

Answer 1

A. to gain wealth from trade and natural resources

European nations primarily wanted to colonize Africa to exploit its vast natural resources and establish profitable trade routes. This desire for wealth and resources was a driving force behind much of the colonial expansion during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although other factors, such as competition among European powers and a sense of racial or cultural superiority, also played roles, the main goal was economic gain.