Question

question 3
which of the following motives played the biggest role in the european discovery of the new world?

• making world maps more accurate and complete
• finding new civilizations in which to spread christianity
• obtaining goods like spices and silk from civilizations in asia
• looking for new nations with which to form alliances

Explanation:

Analyze the primary goal of European exploration

During the Age of Exploration, European nations sought direct maritime routes to Asia. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the Ottoman Empire severely disrupted overland trade routes, making traditional commerce with Asia expensive and dangerous.

Evaluate the economic incentives

The primary economic driver was bypassing Middle Eastern and Venetian middlemen to directly access highly lucrative Asian luxury goods. These highly valued commodities included spices, silk, and porcelain.

Assess the alternative options

While spreading Christianity, improving cartography, and forming alliances were significant factors, they were secondary to the overriding economic imperative of securing direct access to Asian wealth. The accidental "discovery" of the Americas occurred while attempting to find a western sea route to Asia for this exact purpose.

Answer:

• Making world maps more accurate and complete
• Finding new civilizations in which to spread Christianity
• Obtaining goods like spices and silk from civilizations in Asia (Correct answer)
• Looking for new nations with which to form alliances