Question

question 20 of 25

what was one factor that motivated european explorers during the age of exploration?

a. they wanted to form an alliance with indigenous peoples living in the valley of mexico.
b. they wanted to learn about the plants, animals, and cultures of indigenous communities.
c. they wanted to mine vast amounts of silver and gold from mountainous indigenous communities.
d. they wanted to expand their nations military power and gain material wealth and resources.

Explanation:

Analyze the core question

The question asks for a primary factor that motivated European explorers during the Age of Exploration. This historical period (roughly from the 15th to the 17th century) was characterized by European nations searching for new trade routes, wealth, and geopolitical power.

Evaluate the options

• Option A suggests explorers wanted to form alliances with Indigenous peoples in the Valley of Mexico. While alliances were sometimes made tactically (such as Cortés with the Tlaxcalans), this was a localized strategy rather than a broad, primary motivating factor for global exploration.
• Option B suggests a desire to learn about Indigenous plants, animals, and cultures. While scientific curiosity existed, it was not the primary driving force behind state-sponsored voyages.
• Option C states they wanted to mine vast amounts of silver and gold from mountainous Indigenous communities. While acquiring precious metals was a major goal, this option is overly specific to certain mountainous regions and communities, rather than representing the overarching global motivation of the era.
• Option D states they wanted to expand their nation's military power and gain material wealth and resources. This aligns perfectly with the classic "Gold, Glory, and God" framework of European imperialism, highlighting the broad goals of national power, wealth acquisition, and resource control.

Answer:

• (A) They wanted to form an alliance with Indigenous peoples living in the Valley of Mexico.
• (B) They wanted to learn about the plants, animals, and cultures of Indigenous communities.
• (C) They wanted to mine vast amounts of silver and gold from mountainous Indigenous communities.
• (D) They wanted to expand their nation's military power and gain material wealth and resources. (Correct answer)