3: What was Christopher Columbus's primary motivation for finding a western route to Asia? (1 point)
a. Gold and precious metal
b. Conversion of people to the Catholic religio
Oc Glory and fame
d. Trade competition with other European nations
a. Gold and precious metal
Christopher Columbus's primary motivation for finding a western route to Asia was:
c. Glory and fame
To find Christopher Columbus's primary motivation for finding a western route to Asia, we can look at historical records and analysis. Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer sailing under the sponsorship of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella. His primary motivation for his voyages was a combination of different factors.
First, we have option a: Gold and precious metal. This can be seen as a motivation since Columbus believed that reaching Asia by sailing westward would open up lucrative trade routes, connecting Europe directly to the source of valuable spices, such as cinnamon and cloves. These spices were highly sought after and had a high value in Europe at the time. Columbus anticipated being able to establish direct trade connections and reap the economic rewards from such expeditions.
Option b: Conversion of people to the Catholic religion was also a motivation for Columbus. As a devout Catholic, he hoped to spread Christianity to the people he encountered during his exploration. He believed that bringing the Catholic faith to Asia would both bring salvation to those he converted and expand the influence of the Catholic Church.
Option c: Glory and fame can also be seen as one of Columbus's motivations. The Age of Exploration was a time when European nations were competing for maritime dominance and seeking to establish their empires. Columbus aimed to achieve personal glory and fame by being the first to reach Asia by sailing westward, thereby earning recognition, prestige, and a place in history.
Lastly, option d: Trade competition with other European nations can be considered as a motivating factor for Columbus. In the 15th century, European nations were engaged in fierce competition to establish trade networks and secure valuable resources. Columbus hoped to find a new trade route to Asia to gain an advantage over rival nations like Portugal, which had already established a direct sea route to India.
Taking into account all these factors, the correct answer would be a combination of options a (Gold and precious metal), b (Conversion of people to the Catholic religion), and d (Trade competition with other European nations).