Examine the economic and socio-political factors that caused European nations to embark on aggressive expansion that history scholars call the "new imperialism" in the 19 century, with references?

The "new imperialism" of the 19th century was driven by a combination of economic and socio-political factors that motivated European nations to aggressively expand their empires.

Economically, European nations were seeking new markets for their goods and sources of raw materials to fuel their industrial economies. The Industrial Revolution had led to a surge in production, and European powers needed new markets to sell their goods in order to sustain economic growth. Additionally, the demand for raw materials such as rubber, oil, and minerals was increasing, and European nations sought to secure access to these resources through imperial expansion.

Socio-politically, European nations were motivated by a desire for power, prestige, and national glory. Imperial expansion was seen as a way to demonstrate a nation's strength and superiority over other countries. Additionally, there was a belief in the superiority of European culture and civilization, and imperial expansion was seen as a way to spread European values and beliefs to other parts of the world.

Furthermore, the rise of nationalism in Europe also played a role in driving imperial expansion. Nationalist movements sought to unite people of a common culture, language, and history under a single nation-state, and imperial expansion was seen as a way to extend the influence of the nation and strengthen its power.

Overall, the economic need for new markets and resources, the desire for power and prestige, and the rise of nationalism all contributed to the aggressive expansion of European nations in the 19th century, leading to the era of "new imperialism." (Pakenham, 1992)