How did nationalism play a part in Europe's competition to colonize Africa and Asia?

Nationalism played a part in Europe's competition to colonize Africa and Asia by fueling a sense of pride in their empires and a desire for expansion to showcase their power and dominance. European nations used nationalism to justify their colonial activities as a way to spread their influence, culture, and way of life to other parts of the world. This competition led to increased tension and conflicts between European powers as they vied for control of territories in Africa and Asia.