Final answer:
Imperialism in the 19th century was fueled by political competition, cultural superiority beliefs, and economic interests, particularly in relation to the Second Industrial Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main causes for imperialism in the 19th century were driven by political, cultural, and economic motives.
Politically, nations were motivated by nationalism and the competition for power and prestige, leading them to establish colonies to exert influence and control.
Culturally, Europeans held a belief in their superiority and a sense of duty to spread their customs and Christian values. Economically, the need to secure markets for the goods produced during the Second Industrial Revolution and the competition for resources were significant.
European economic, military, and political power forced colonized countries into trade that favored European interests, leading to the displacement of traditional industries in those colonies. This period of imperialism set a pattern for international relations and conflicts that still impact the world today.