What practice was common during imperialism in the late 19th century?

During the late 19th century, imperialism was characterized by the exploitation of colonized resources by imperial powers. This practice involved the extraction of raw materials and resources from colonized territories to fuel industrial growth in the colonizing countries. The primary motivation behind this exploitation was economic gain; colonizers sought to access and utilize the abundant resources—such as minerals, agricultural products, and labor—found in colonized regions. This not only enriched the imperial powers but also contributed to the development of global trade networks that favored the colonizers at the expense of the local economies.

The other practices mentioned, such as political decentralization, promotion of local governance, and the end of trade barriers, were generally not in line with the goals of imperialistic agendas during this period. Instead, imperial powers often imposed centralized control, marginalized local governance structures, and established trade practices that kept the colonies economically dependent. Thus, the exploitation of colonized resources stands out as a fundamental aspect of imperialism during this era.