Concept:The main driving force behind the European partition of Africa was economic exploitation, not a simple desire for security, religion, or culture.
Explanation:European powers such as Britain, France, and Germany scrambled for African territories during the 19th century in order to secure consistent sources of raw materials for their industries.
The growth of factories in Europe increased the demand for items like cotton, groundnuts, palm produce, gold, and other mineral resources found in Africa.
These colonies also served as reliable markets where European manufactured goods could be sold, and as sources of inexpensive labour and investment opportunities.
Additionally, new trade routes and ports gave Europeans greater control over global commerce, which translated into enormous wealth and national prestige.
While missionaries spread Christianity and leaders argued about international security, these factors were less powerful than the commercial profits that colonisation promised.
Answer:B. economic reasons