There emerged a clear perception that economic strength and access to international resources justified imperialism, linking national prosperity to global expansion.

The emphasis on economic advantages undermined imperialist arguments, leading to widespread criticism of overseas expansion on moral grounds.

There was a growing belief that imperialism inherently conflicted with national economic interests, prompting a turn toward anti-expansionist sentiment.

Economic ambitions were increasingly viewed as irrelevant to the rationale for imperialism, which was based solely on cultural and moral factors.