In the 1880's, countries across Europe started scrambling to claim land in Africa. Europe had long been claiming territories in parts of the Americas, Asia, and Africa, but intense national competition between Spain, Italy, Great Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium led them to snatch up ninety percent of Africa by 1902, creating "new imperialism." This movement was inspired by many motives. Nations wanted ports for commerce and navy ships, but also to block other potential claimants. Patriotism and nationalism spurred people to claim new lands for their nation's honor and prosperity, especially as compared to rival nations. Many saw imperialism as a chance to spread civilization to the "savage" peoples of the world; some especially
