The primary reason European nations colonized Africa was C) they wanted the natural resources in Africa. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers sought to expand their territories and economies by exploiting Africa’s vast resources, including minerals, agricultural products, and raw materials. This was driven by the Industrial Revolution, which created a high demand for resources to fuel European industries. While there were certainly other motivations involved, such as strategic and geopolitical interests, the quest for resources was a major driving factor behind the colonization of Africa.
The other options—adopting African cultures, converting to African religions, and fearing invasions—were not primary motivations for colonization.