Read the two statements given below about the impact of Industrial Revolution. Select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (R).

Assertion (A): European countries acquired colonies in Asia and Africa.

Reason (R): Industrial Revolution led to mass production of goods which could not be consumed locally.

1. (R) contradicts (A)
2. (R) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (R) is false
4. (A) and (R) are independent of each other

(R) is the reason for (A)

Explanation — During the Industrial Revolution, European industries produced goods on a large scale. They needed new markets to sell their surplus goods. They also needed raw materials (like cotton, rubber, coal, etc.) to feed their factories. Thus, European powers expanded into Asia and Africa to:

• Obtain raw materials.
• Sell their manufactured goods.
• Exploit cheap labour and gain strategic advantages.