Why did European countries actively colonize much of the world between the 17th and 19th centuries? A. By colonizing much of the world, Europeans hoped to stimulate global economic growth for the poorest regions. B. By gaining control over as much land as possible, Europeans hoped to establish their cultural and moral superiority. C. Europeans thought that a successful global economy depended on the establishment of global free trade. D. Europeans hoped it would create new markets that would supply them with raw materials and provide customers for finished goods.

European countries were much active in colonizing most of the parts of the world in order to create new markets and generate the supply of the raw materials as well as the finished goods to the customers.

Europeans were very desperate to expand the colonies of Africa in order to exploit the major natural resources.

They were in the outline to further manage the raw materials for the manufacturing and production and also to produce the finished goods for the consumers or the customers.

Therefore, the correct option is D.

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