What motivated European expansion during the Age of Exploration?

The motivation for European expansion during the Age of Exploration can be best understood through a combination of economic, religious, and exploratory factors represented in the chosen answer. The desire to Christianize native populations reflects a strong religious motivation; European powers saw it as a duty to spread Christianity, which was often intertwined with their imperial ambitions. At the same time, making money was a critical factor, as European nations sought new trade routes and opportunities for wealth through the acquisition of resources. The exploration of the wonders of the world highlights the curiosity and desire for knowledge, driven by Renaissance ideals, that led explorers to seek out new lands and cultures.

This multifaceted motivation was a hallmark of the Age of Exploration, distinguishing it from other forms of expansion that might have focused on just religious conversion or resource acquisition alone. In contrast, options that suggest singular or limited motivations, such as establishing diplomatic relations or focusing solely on land acquisition for colonization, do not encompass the broader economic and cultural dynamics at play during this transformative period in history.