One of the major reasons for colonialism in Africa was

1. Analyze the question The question asks for a major reason European powers colonised Africa. Several motives existed, but we need the one that was most central.

2. Explain the concept European colonisation of Africa (especially after the Berlin Conference of 1884-85) was driven by several factors:

• Economic: The Industrial Revolution created a need for raw materials (palm oil, rubber, cotton, cocoa, minerals), for markets for finished goods, and for outlets for surplus capital.
• Political: National prestige and rivalry among European powers.
• Social/Religious/Humanitarian: Spreading Christianity, ending the slave trade, and the so-called "civilising mission." These were mostly used to justify colonialism, not its main cause.
• Strategic: Control of trade routes and naval bases.

3. Solution, step by step

• B. Religious reasons: Missionaries did operate in Africa, but religion was a secondary motive and often a tool that opened the way for colonial control.
• C. Developmental drive: Europeans did not colonise Africa to develop it. Infrastructure such as railways and roads was built mainly to move raw materials to the coast for export.
• D. Humanitarian factor: The abolition of the slave trade was used as a moral argument, but it was not the main driving force.
• A. Economic interest: The need for raw materials, markets and investment opportunities after the Industrial Revolution was the principal motivation.

4. Answer The correct option is A. economic interest.

5. Exam tip Remember the phrase "3 Gs": God, Gold and Glory. In Government and History questions, when the options contain "economic" alongside softer motives like "religious," "humanitarian," or "development," economic interest is usually the major reason for colonialism. The other motives were mostly justifications.