European contact with Africa increased during the 1800's because of the want for natural resources, land, and increased global power. European countries competed over territories in Africa, known as the "Scramble for Africa," right after the Berlin Conference in 1885.
This competition allowed for countries like Spain, France, Britain, and Germany to expand their political and economic influence. Once territories were taken over by these countries, they would exploit the resources found in different African countries and use them to benefit their country.
Along with this, industrialization was increasing rapidly throughout Europe. Due to this increase, the demand for raw materials and new markets (aka new people to buy materials) increased as well. All of these factors played a pivotal role in increasing contact between Europeans and Africans during the 1800's.
