In the 19th century, the West entered a period of imperialism. The European powers colonized new territories in Africa and Asia in order to increase their power. To achieve this, they sought raw materials. The populations of these colonized territories provided outlets for their products. Europeans also wanted to increase their influence on the international stage. They felt superior to the populations of the colonized countries and believed they had a mission to civilise these commoners or people they saw as inferior.
This colonization will have consequences for the populations, who will be exploited and discriminated against. Africa would become dominated economically and culturally.
This cartoon shows an example of Europe's presence in Africa, with a project to build a telegram between Cape Town and Cairo.
Source : The Rhodes Colossus : Caricature of Cecil John Rhodes, after he announced plans for a telegraph line and railroad from Cape Town to Cairo [Image], Sambourne, E.L., 1892, Wikimedia, (URL).
For more information on the expansion of the industrial world, see the following concept sheets.