DTW GED PREP

At the close of the 15th century, European monarchs began sponsoring voyages of exploration that would reshape the world. These explorations were driven by four primary motives: trade, conquest and expansion, religious conversion, and curiosity.

Trade played a central role in the expansion of European exploration. European nations sought to access the natural resources of regions like Asia, Africa, and the Americas, which offered valuable commodities such as rice, coffee, sugar, rubber, silk, cotton, gold, diamonds, and spices. These items were highly prized in Europe, and colonization allowed European powers to control the supply of these goods, often setting their own prices for both imports and exports. West Africa became particularly important as a source of slave labor, which fueled European economies, especially in the Americas, during the 18th century.

Conquest, expansion, and profit were also key motivators. The desire to expand territories and secure wealth was closely tied to the growth of a nation’s population. A larger population meant more taxpayers, which translated into increased revenue for the crown, more tithes for the church, and a larger army for military power. The court, the clergy, and the military—three of the most powerful institutions—shared a common interest in establishing colonies that could increase their influence and wealth, making them stronger and more competitive than their neighbors.

Religious conversion was another driving force behind European exploration. Christian belief held that it was the duty of Europeans to spread Christianity to non-Christian peoples, thereby saving their souls. Missionary work accompanied many exploration efforts, as religious orders sought to convert indigenous populations in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, believing it was their divine responsibility to bring Christianity to the “heathen” world.

Lastly, curiosity played an undeniable role in the Age of Exploration. The human desire for adventure, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge motivated explorers to venture into unknown territories. This drive for exploration was not only about economic gain or religious duty but also about satisfying the age-old human urge to understand and discover new parts of the world, marking a period of unprecedented global interaction and exchange.

THE AGE OF EXPLORATION

1. Which of the following was NOT a motive for explorers during the Age of Exploration?
   A. Conquest
   B. Religious conversion
   C. Curiosity
   D. Hostility
2. Religious conversion was a primary goal during the Age of Exploration because Christian explorers believed it was their duty to convert non-Christians to Christianity.
   _________ TRUE or _________ FALSE

1. Which of the following was NOT a motive for explorers during the Age of Exploration?

✅ D. Hostility
🟩 Explanation: While conquest, religious conversion, and curiosity were major motives, hostility was not a driving purpose—it may have resulted from exploration, but it wasn’t a goal.

2. Religious conversion was a primary goal during the Age of Exploration because Christian explorers believed it was their duty to convert non-Christians to Christianity.

✅ TRUE
🟩 Explanation: Missionary zeal was a key motivation, especially for Catholic explorers backed by Spain and Portugal. They sought to spread Christianity alongside trade and conquest.