· Need for natural resources
· Desire to expand markets
· Desire to invest profits
· Outlet needed for growing populations
· Economies strengthened by Industrial Revolution
*Political and Military Causes*
· Bases needed for merchant and naval vessels
· National security
· Nationalism
· Prestige of global empire
· Strong, centrally governed nations/ states
*Social Causes*
· Desire to spread Christianity
· Desire to share Western civilization
· Belief in Social Darwinism
· Increased European self-confidence
*Technological Causes*
· Medical knowledge
· Advances in weaponry
· Advances in over seas travel
