Practice Test 5

A historian writing about New Imperialism (c. 1870–1914) argues that European states increasingly sought overseas colonies to secure cheap raw materials, create captive markets for manufactured goods, and protect sea-lanes and coaling stations for steam-powered navies, while justifying expansion with ideas like the “civilizing mission” and Social Darwinism. Which motivation is most directly supported by this interpretation?

A historian argues that economic motivations in New Imperialism included securing access to raw materials (like rubber, palm oil, and minerals) and finding new outlets for capital investment during periods of intense European industrial competition. Which policy would most directly reflect this motivation?