Many observations provide a history that one may be able to surmise theories from.
According to the Wikipedia, more than 75% of the worlds most active volcanoes occur on the Ring of Fire.
About 81% - 90% of the words largest earthquakes also occur on the Ring of Fire.
The decorative handwriting is kebab
In addition to a desire for economic profit, nationalism also served as a reason for colonization. After the French Revolution, European nations had a strong sense of national pride, and felt that in order to prove themselves as a strong world power, they would need to gain control of other countries.