What were the causes of the "New Imperialism" of the late nineteenth century? What were some of the arguments to justify this imperialism? What were the results or consequences of this imperialism?

The powerful nations of Europe were ready to formally expand their empires into Asia and Africa. Known as New Imperialism, this desire for expansion was motivated by many things, not the least of which were the promise of economic growth, the sting of national rivalries, and a sense of moral superiority.