Why did Europeans begin expansion in the late 1800 and?

Europeans began their expansion in the late 1800s primarily due to the Industrial Revolution, which created a demand for new resources, markets, and investment opportunities. Nationalism and competition among European powers also fueled imperial ambitions, as nations sought to assert their dominance and prestige on the global stage. Additionally, advancements in technology, such as steamships and telegraphs, facilitated exploration and control over distant territories. These factors combined to drive a wave of colonial expansion across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.