European overseas commercial expansion was aided by

A.advances in shipbuilding and navigation
B.the centralized power of nation-states
C.European desires for wealth through trade
D.the desire for alternative trade routes to bypass the Ottomans
E.All of the above F. None of the above

I would say All of the above, am I right?

I agree. That is a central thesis of the book: " The Sea and Civilization" by Lincoln Paine, published by Alfred Knopf, 2013

Yes, you are correct. European overseas commercial expansion was aided by all of the above factors: advances in shipbuilding and navigation, the centralized power of nation-states, European desires for wealth through trade, and the desire for alternative trade routes to bypass the Ottomans.

Advances in shipbuilding and navigation, such as the development of larger and more efficient ships like caravels and the invention of navigational tools like the astrolabe and compass, allowed European explorers to venture further into the open ocean and reach new lands.

The centralized power of nation-states, particularly in countries like Spain, Portugal, England, France, and the Netherlands, provided the resources, funding, and support needed to undertake and finance long and expensive overseas expeditions.

European desires for wealth through trade played a significant role in motivating explorers and traders to seek out new markets and resources in foreign lands. The search for valuable commodities such as spices, silks, and precious metals fueled European ambitions for economic dominance.

The desire for alternative trade routes to bypass the Ottomans was another crucial factor. During the time of European expansion, the Ottoman Empire controlled many of the existing land routes and had a monopoly on the lucrative trade with the East. European nations sought to bypass these routes by finding new maritime passages to establish direct trade with Asia and other regions.

Therefore, the correct answer is E. All of the above.