What did European powers seek during colonial expansion?

During the period of colonial expansion, European powers were primarily motivated by the desire to colonize and exploit newly discovered lands. This involved establishing control over territories in Africa, the Americas, and Asia, where they would extract resources, take advantage of local labor, and establish markets for their goods. The drive for wealth through agriculture, mining, and trade was a significant factor in the aggressive territorial conquests that characterized this era.

The exploration of new territories was often framed as a mission of bringing civilization or Christianity to indigenous peoples, but at its core, it was largely about economic gain and the accumulation of wealth for the European powers. By claiming new lands, they could secure resources such as gold, spices, and agricultural products, which were highly valuable in Europe.

In contrast, maintaining trade with Asia, strengthening democratic governance, and urban migration reflect other aspects of societal development and activity during various historical periods but do not capture the primary objective of colonial expansion, which centered on territorial control and resource exploitation.