The New Imperialism which took place in Asia and Africa had many motives besides what was called, "the white man's burden"(which said that it was the "civilized peoples duty" to civilize those who were "less" civilized than themselves) some of these motives were economic motives because of the resources these continents had that Western countries was lacking and that we in high demand; also political and military motives such as controlling more land and expanding their "civilized" lifestyles were a part of the New Imperialism.
Social Darwinism was a big part of the New Imperialism because the Western Nations believed they were more "civilized" and needed to strengthen the other nations (with military force) so the other nations would be "up to par" with them.
Africa was the main continent to be "had" because of the resources of ivory and rubber. Plus Africa offered people who could be forced to do labor. Leopold II who was the king of Belgium was one of these people who saw an opportunity in Africa. He felt that since Belgium was so small he needed more territory. Leopold made his own estate in the Congo where he had African slaves get ivory and rubber. Thousands of Africans died on his cause because if they didn't want to work for him, or if they didn't give up their land he would have them killed (even though he never saw this bloodshed because he never went to his "estate".) His accountant finally discovered him and the slavery were stopped.
Japan was a nation that decided to follow along in the New Imperialism movement. The Japanese wanted their country to be more "westernized." They changed the way they ran their government and sent many of the young Japanese to the west to get educations. Also, they focused on their military to try and make it as powerful as western militaries.
The New Imperialism's overall impact was that it modernized and civilized nations who weren't at the Westerners standards.