Which of the following factors did NOT facilitate European expansion?

The correct response highlights that the decline of agriculture did not facilitate European expansion. During the periods of significant expansion, particularly from the 15th to the 17th centuries, many European nations experienced a growth in agricultural productivity through innovations and the enclosure movement. This led to an increase in population and the availability of labor, both of which fueled the demand for exploration and colonization.

Conversely, the other options represent factors that actively contributed to European expansion. A growing population increased competition for resources and land, driving nations to explore new territories. New ship designs, such as the caravel, allowed for better navigation and longer voyages, making distant exploration feasible. The rise of a banking class provided the necessary financial backing for costly voyages and colonial ventures, further promoting European expansion. Hence, while agriculture played a crucial role in shaping societies, its decline did not spur the push for exploration and conquest; rather, it was the strengthening of agricultural systems that supported such activities.