How did political competition help with European imperialism in Africa?

Political competition like Nationalism held European countries to the standard that they should all be competing for a slice of the cake.

Explanation:

Since all European countries were bolstered by nationalism, the love of ones countries above all else, they felt the need to go and spread the culture and social style to other parts of the world, namely Africa. Since everyone wanted a piece of the natural resources of Africa, everyone competed to imperialize different parts of the continent in hopes of bringing those resources back to the homelands to be better than the other European countries.

1) union forces launched a surprise attack.

2) more confederate troops arrived by train.

3) union forces retreated.