. In many parts of the world, the expansion of trade and a closer relationship with the world economy also meant a loss of freedom and livelihood. . European powers in Africa divided this country amongst themselves with ‘paper partition’, i.e., borders of these countries run straight as drawn by a ruler. This division was made without the permission of these African countries. . Britain and France made vast additions to their colonies in the late 19th century. Belgium and Germany became new colonial powers and US also became a colonial power by taking over the colonies earlier held by Spain.