Why did 19th century imperialism rely on local elites to rule local area?

Which of the following individuals held bible study meetings for women in boston?

The california gold rush: actually had only a small impact on california’s population because its rich farmlands already attracted thousands of new settlers each year. attracted almost equal numbers of men and women. resulted in laws that discriminated against “foreign miners.” made considerable wealth for average miners because gold mining demanded no real investment of capital. hurt the development of san francisco because gold discoveries shifted interest to areas outside of town.

How were the european systems of mercantilism and capitalism similar during the 18th and 19th century