Why did European nations want to gain empires?

European nations sought to gain empires in the 19th and early 20th centuries primarily for economic, political, and strategic reasons. Colonies provided access to valuable resources, new markets for industrial goods, and opportunities for investment. Additionally, imperial expansion was driven by national pride and competition among European powers, as empires were seen as a measure of national strength and prestige. Furthermore, the desire to spread culture and religion also motivated many nations during this period.