What best describes why most of Africa was under European colonial rule during the 19th century?

Exploitation of Resources: European countries sought access to Africa's abundant natural resources, such as minerals, timber, ivory, and rubber, which could be exploited for economic gain.

Imperial Expansion: European powers were driven by a desire to expand their empires and establish colonies to showcase their wealth, power, and prestige.

Political Competition: There was fierce political competition among European nations, leading to a "scramble for Africa" as each country aimed to secure as much territory as possible to gain strategic and economic advantages over rivals.

Trade and Commerce: Africa offered new markets for European goods and provided a source of cheap labor to support their industries.

Religious Motives: Some European nations had missionary agendas, seeking to spread Christianity and convert indigenous African populations.

Social Darwinism: The prevailing belief in Social Darwinism, which emphasized "survival of the fittest," influenced European attitudes toward Africa and justified their colonization efforts as a means to "civilize" and "modernize" perceived inferior societies.