During the 18OOs Europeans seeking raw materials and a market for goods
To understand why Europeans were seeking raw materials and a market for goods during the 1800s, we need to look at the historical context of that time period.
During the 1800s, Europe underwent significant industrialization and technological advancements such as the steam engine, which transformed the manufacturing and transportation sectors. As a result, European countries experienced a surge in production capabilities, creating a need for raw materials and new markets.
The quest for raw materials was driven by the need to fuel the growing industries. European nations looked to obtain resources like coal, iron ore, cotton, rubber, and various minerals to sustain their industrial production. These materials were vital for manufacturing goods and developing infrastructure.
Simultaneously, European countries sought new markets to sell their surplus goods. Industrialization increased the production capacity, leading to an excess of goods that couldn't be consumed domestically. Europeans aimed to export these goods to other regions, thereby boosting their economies through international trade.
To acquire raw materials and expand markets, European powers engaged in colonialism and imperialism. They established colonies and protectorates in regions across the globe, especially in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. These colonies provided access to abundant raw materials and created captive markets for European manufactured goods.
European powers either directly controlled these colonies or imposed unequal trade agreements, forcing these regions to export raw materials to Europe while importing finished products. This system prioritized European economic interests and stifled the development of local industries in the colonies.
In summary, during the 1800s, the combination of industrialization and technological advancements in Europe necessitated the search for raw materials to sustain production and new markets to sell surplus goods. This drove European powers to engage in colonialism and imperialism, establishing colonies that served as sources of raw materials and captive markets for their manufactured goods.