What was one of the main motivations for conquistadors like Columbus, Hernán Cortés, and Francisco Pizarro?
a. Discovery of new trade routes
b. Spreading Catholicism
c. Establishing democratic societies
d. Scientific exploration
a. Discovery of new trade routes
One of the main motivations for conquistadors like Columbus, Hernán Cortés, and Francisco Pizarro was a. Discovery of new trade routes.
The answer to this question is a. Discovery of new trade routes.
The main motivation for conquistadors like Columbus, Hernán Cortés, and Francisco Pizarro was to discover new trade routes. During the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries, European nations were seeking new ways to reach the lucrative markets of Asia, as the existing land routes were expensive and dangerous. These conquistadors believed that by reaching Asia through a direct sea route, they could bypass the established trade networks and gain access to valuable goods, such as spices, silk, and precious metals, which were highly sought after in Europe.
To get the answer to this question, you can analyze the historical context and motivations of these explorers. By studying the works, letters, and accounts of Columbus, Cortés, and Pizarro, you can understand that their primary objective was not scientific exploration or establishing democratic societies, but rather the desire to find new trade routes to Asia. This understanding can be derived from their interactions with indigenous peoples, the plundering of gold and other valuable resources, and their subsequent colonization efforts in the Americas.