Question

Identify and explain three factors which led to Europeans establishing colonial control over much of Africa and Asia during the late 19th century.

Answer 1

There were political ,religious and economic factors which led Europeans to establish colonial control over much of Africa and Asia during 19th century.During this period there was economic depression in Europe and big countries such as Germany ,Britian ,France were badly affected. But depression didn't have much impact on Africa.The abundance of raw materials in Africa during this period of colonization and Europe saw this as a way to make money.Cheap labor of Africa was another factor that contributed to African colonization by Europe .European rivalries between Britian and France was another major factor that contributed to African colonization.Britian and France were involved in a competition to acquire more of African continents.The economic reason for Europeans establishing control over Africa was because Europeans were in need of more resources and markets for their surplus products.They found abundant resources available in Africa and it was very cheap.The cultural reason was that Europeans were in support of Social Darwinism.They considered Whites superior to the lesser cultures and treated the black Africans as slaves.The religious reason was that Europeans considered Christianity to be superior over all other religions.Political reason was that Europeans considered land to power and acquired more lands and colonies so they could expand their trade.Europeans acquired more lands from Africans For establishing plantations to grow cash crops and forced Africans to work on these plantations.

Europeans also established control over South East Asia.The above mentioned reasons such as natural resources,new markets for European goods,cheap labor were some of the factors.Apart from these factors the major reason why Europeans established their control over West Asia was because Europeans considered Asia as an opportunity to trade with China.Europeans were really interested to trade with China but China was least interested so Europe colonized East Asia which was neighbouring country of China and thus China was forced to open trade with Europe.