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A change in British attitude towards colonization during the 19^th century - A change in attitude in Britain towards colonization during the 19* century gave new encouragement to the empire builders. Previously, colonization had been seen as a matter of settlement of commerce, or military strategy. The aim was simply to possess territory, but not necessarily to govern it. By the end of the century, colonization was seen as a matter of destiny. There was an enormous increase in wealth during this century, so that Britain became the world’s foremost economic power. This, together with long years of political stability unequalled anywhere else in Europę, gave the British a sense of supreme confidence, even arrogance, about their culture and cMlization. The British came to see themselves as having a duty to spread this culture and cMlization around the world. Being the rulers of an empire was therefore a matter of morał obligation.