To practice the policy of imperialism, European nations had to travel great distances across large oceans. Why did these nations go to such expense and take the risks involved in colonization? 1) The countries of Europe were becoming too crowded--people wanted to move out.

2)While the stakes were high, the financial and political rewards of colonization were greater.

3)The Church directed leaders to reach out to the less privileged people of countries that were not industrialized.

4)Internal political conflicts between rich and poor drove expansion to outlying areas.