In the years leading up to 1850, European powers grappled for political and economic dominance of the international market. The Age of Discovery during the early modern period in Europe posed as period that redefined the idea of exploration. No longer was the reason for subjugating a group of people to European rule the main reason to colonize. Rather, the main reason for imperialism after 1850 was in regards to extraction of natural resources and economic control of the world market. After 1850, it became apparent that interests in overseas empires was ultimately inevitable as Europe began to industrialize and gain military and technological power. European powers became dangerously ambitious towards the end of the 19th century as each sought to establish its prominence. As European empires competed with each other for world dominance, the powers were inspired to display industrial strength and economic dominance. European powers sought to claim overseas empires after 1850 with hopes of retaining national and economic power through expansion and exploitation of resources. The desire to expand in overseas empires grew as competition became a driving force among major European powers. As pressure rose to become the strongest world power, European powers scrambled to claim different territories overseas. By the nineteenth century, Great Britain was arguably the most powerful country in Europe. With such a high status of power, the British aspired to maintain their dominance.