The answer you are looking for is World System Theory. Take the scramble for Africa for example, European nations fought over land and resources, is the continent of Africa thriving now? Very few nations in the region have developed economies and industry.
Air conditioning--with very hot temperatures, Americans preferred to stay in the northern states. Air conditioning convinced many to move South.
The South offered rich nature and industries thriving in particular oil. However, many Americans did not want to live in the hot conditions of the South. Air conditioning created an added appeal to live in the Southern states in particular Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.
