Why did European nations pursue imperialism

Wealth and competition.

Explanation:

European nations colonized and expanded to control vast areas with large numbers of resources, this gave them wealth, income, and more trading opportunities. Another reason European nations expanded their Empire was to compete with other large national superpowers.

European nations were motivated to engage in imperialism for economic reasons ... The European nations engaged in imperialism to gain direct control of regions producing these materials through setting up colonies. The European nations were motivated to engage in imperialism for military and political nation