What was the primary reason for colonial expansion by Western European powers in the 18th and 19th centuries?

The primary reason for colonial expansion by Western European powers in the 18th and 19th centuries was the Industrial Revolution. This period marked a significant shift in economies as countries transitioned from agrarian economies to industrialized ones, creating a demand for raw materials and new markets to sell manufactured goods. European nations sought to acquire colonies where they could extract resources such as cotton, rubber, and minerals to fuel industrial production, while also finding new markets for their surplus goods. This quest for economic expansion fueled competition among nations and intensified their imperial pursuits around the globe.

In contrast, building and opening the Suez Canal was a significant event, but it occurred in the context of existing colonial interests rather than being the primary driver of colonial expansion. Improvements in transportation, such as steamships and railroads, facilitated colonization but were part of the larger context of the Industrial Revolution that spurred the need for new markets. Meanwhile, the complete independence of all the Americas and the subsequent loss of European influence had already occurred by the time of significant colonial activities in Africa and Asia, which makes this option less relevant to the primary motivations of expansion during the height of imperialism.