Which economic forces were most responsible for the new imperialism that began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

There were economic forces that led to a new wave of
imperialism between 1850 and 1920. One of these forces was the desire for resources. As
the industrial revolution expanded, countries wanted colonies for a few reasons. One
reason was they could get resources cheaper from their colonies than they could if they
bought those resources from other countries. Having colonies also gave a country a
guaranteed market where it could sell its goods and make money. This arrangement would
help the colonial power’s economy at home.

Another economic
factor was that having colonies made it easier for countries to protect their merchant
marine and their world trade. Colonies could serve as places for the navy to use to dock
their ships and resupply them. They could also use the colonies as military bases if it
was necessary to take military action to protect their world trade and their merchant
marine. Protecting world trade was important for economic
growth.

By establishing colonies worldwide, a country could
enhance its status as a world power. Being a world power could open other economic
opportunities for the country that may allow their economy to grow. New trade
opportunities could develop or reciprocal agreements could be made with other world
power nations and their colonies. Preferred trading status could be developed through
such arrangements.

There were many economic forces that
encouraged a new wave of imperialism between 1850-1920.