Which of the following was a major economic cause of European imperialism?

They were trying to change from socialism to capitalism.

They wanted to be the first to explore new parts of the world

They needed to find more natural resources to increase their industrial production.

They needed more land for their growing populations to live

"They needed to find more natural resources to increase their industrial production" was a major economic cause of European imperialism.

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

With the switch to New Imperialism, the prospect of economic growth, the stinging of national competition and a sense of moral integrity inspired Europeans. With economic development in mind, Europe claimed that globalization would not only provide them with cheap resources, it would develop new markets to compete in.

The countries which begin undergoing an Industrial Revolution, like Britain lead European Imperialism on acceleration. They required huge amount of raw material to increase production and Export, for which they were needed to expand their trade market, which overall leads to a global competence.