What was important to European countries during the age of exploitation?
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During the Age of Exploration (often referred to as the Age of Discovery) from the 15th to the 17th century, several important factors were of great significance to European countries:
1. Trade Routes: Europeans were very interested in finding new trade routes to Asia to acquire luxury goods such as spices, silks, and precious metals. The overland trade routes like the Silk Road were long, dangerous, and controlled by rival powers, so finding a sea route would offer faster, safer, and cheaper means of trade.
2. Wealth: The pursuit of wealth was a central driving force. European nations aimed to discover and secure sources of valuable commodities and gold. Colonies that could provide raw materials and natural resources promised immense wealth accumulation for European powers.
3. Expansion of Influence: European countries wanted to expand their territories and influence around the world. Establishing colonies not only increased their prestige but also provided strategic military advantages.
4. Religious Conversion: The spread of Christianity was another key motivation. Many explorers and their patrons desired to convert indigenous populations to Christianity, supported by religious entities such as the Catholic Church.
5. Competition: European nations were also competing against one another for global dominance. Success in exploration could tip the balance of power, so nations were eager to outdo each other in discovering and claiming new lands.
6. Knowledge and Curiosity: There was a genuine curiosity about what lay beyond known boundaries, driven in part by the Renaissance spirit of inquiry. Explorers and scientists sought to understand more about geography, oceanography, and the cultures of different peoples.