The principal motivation for the conquest of the New World by Europeans was __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principal motivation for the conquest of the New World by Europeans was economic. European powers were driven by a desire for access to new sources of valuable resources such as gold, silver and precious stones. Additionally, the conquest of the New World provided new opportunities for trade, commerce, and the acquisition of new markets. Religious, strategic, and scientific motivations were also factors, but they were secondary to economic interests.

The Principal Motivation for the Conquest of the New World