What role did nationalism play in the race for the colonies

Explanation:

Racism is the ideology holding that racial differences of people (such as color of the skin and such natural biological features) are the basis for social differences (inequality) in society and that these biological racial qualities determine people’s material and spiritual life and all other social relations.  People are divided into a “superior race” and an “inferior race.” The former is supposedly the creator of material and spiritual civilization, rulers, while the latter is sub-human and destined to be ruled. This is supposed to be an objective, rational and eternal law of nature caused by natural biological and racial differences.

the exclusive possession or control of the supply or trade in a commodity or service.