What was a primary cause of colonial expansions by western European powers in the 18th and 19th centuries?

The Industrial Revolution was a primary cause of colonial expansions by western European powers in the 18th and 19th centuries because it fundamentally transformed the economies of European nations. As industrialization progressed, countries experienced significant increases in production and a growing demand for raw materials that could not be met domestically. This created a pressing need for sources of raw materials such as cotton, coal, and rubber, which were abundantly available in colonies.

Furthermore, the Industrial Revolution also led to advances in technology and transportation, making it easier for European powers to establish and maintain colonies. Innovations such as steamships and railways facilitated faster movement of goods and people, while better weaponry allowed for the subjugation of indigenous populations. The prosperity gained from these colonies fueled further industrial growth, creating a cycle of expansion and exploitation.

While the Enlightenment and the Agricultural Revolution contributed to a greater worldview and changes in societal structures respectively, they were not as directly tied to the economic motivations and technological advancements that drove colonial expansion as the Industrial Revolution. The Cold War, occurring much later in the 20th century, is not related to the colonial expansions of the 18th and 19th centuries.