The European Industrial Revolution, beginning in the late 18th century, significantly boosted production capabilities and technological advancements, creating a demand for raw materials and new markets. This economic drive, combined with nationalistic fervor, led to New Imperialism in the late 19th century, where European powers aggressively expanded their empires in Africa and Asia. Industrialized nations sought to secure resources for their factories and markets for their finished goods, often justifying their expansion through notions of racial superiority and a civilizing mission. This period resulted in profound social, economic, and political changes worldwide, laying the groundwork for modern global dynamics.