In the 18th and 19th centuries, why did European countries practice imperialism?

A. They hoped to develop their economies to compete with East Asia.
B. They were in competition with one another for resources in Africa.
C. They believed it was their duty to spread Islam to the world.
D. They were engaged in longstanding proxy wars in Central America.

Question

In the 18th and 19th centuries, why did European countries practice imperialism?

 		A.	They hoped to develop their economies to compete with East Asia.
 		B.	They were in competition with one another for resources in Africa.
 		C.	They believed it was their duty to spread Islam to the world.
 		D.	They were engaged in longstanding proxy wars in Central America.

oryzae · Answer

Well, we know the majority of the European countries didn't practice Islam, or if they did, didn't believe it was their duty to spread it (Europe was more about Christianity). During the 18th and 19th century, remember, the European countries had basically moved out of Central America, barring one or two.

This leaves A and B. Which one do you think it is? :)