The Industrial revolution unlocked significant advancements in technology, such as steamships, railroads, and improved weaponry, which transformed transportation and warfare. These advancements enabled European nations to effectively project their power and influence across vast distances, thereby facilitating the expansion and control of colonies during imperialism.
Increased Demand for Raw Materials:
Industrialization led to a soaring demand for raw materials and resource required to fuel the expanding industries and expanding economies of European countries. This demand drove European nations to seek out new sources of resources in distant lands, often necessating the colonization and exploitation of these regions to secure the needed materials.
Capital Accumulation and Investment:
The industrial revolution brought about the accumulation of vast amounts of wealth and capital in Europe. This surplus wealth was available for investment, including the financing of imperial expansions and colonial enterprise. Investment in infrastructure, such as ports, railroads, and mining industries, was undertaken in colonies to extract and transport raw materials back to Europe.
New Market Opportunities:
Industrialization created new market for finished goods and manufactured products. European nations sought colonies as captive markets for their expanding industrial production, leading to their political control over these regions to ensure preferential trade terms and exclude competitors.
Social Darwinism and Nationalism:
The industrial revolution accompanied by the rise of Social Darwinian doctrines, which propagated ideas of racial and cultural hierarchies. Europeans began to believe in the superiority of their civilizations and felt entitled to spread their influence and control over "lesser" societies, rationalizing the colonization and subjugation of other peoples.
Missionary Zeal:
The period of industrial revolution coincided with a strong missionary movement in European countries. Missionaries played a crucial role in facilitating imperialism, as they sought to convert and "civilize" indigenous population, often providing pretext for colonial intervention and control over local societies.
In summary, the industrial revolution spurred imperialist pursuits through technological advancement, increased demand for resources, capital accumulation, market expansion, Social Darwinist ideology, and the influence of missionary activities. These factors collectively contribute to the intensification and expansion of European colonialism during the era of imperialism.