What drove competition among European powers in colonial expansion?

The competition among European powers in colonial expansion was primarily driven by the desire for territory and resources. During the late 15th to 18th centuries, European nations were in a race to explore, conquer, and establish colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, largely to enhance their economic power and influence. This was motivated by the mercantilist economic theory prevalent at the time, which posited that a nation's wealth was measured by its holdings of precious metals and the balance of trade.

Colonies were seen as a means to access raw materials needed for European industries, as well as markets for manufactured goods. The rivalry between countries like Spain, Portugal, Britain, France, and the Netherlands led to numerous conflicts and efforts to outmaneuver each other in securing the best lands and resources available, such as gold, silver, and commodities like sugar and tobacco. This fervent competition greatly shaped the geopolitical landscape of the time and led to significant historical events, including wars and treaties that would dictate the course of colonial rule across various regions.