What fueled the European "Age of Discovery"?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The European "Age of Discovery" was primarily fueled by European commercial interest in exotic raw materials, such as spices, silk, and gold, found in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. European traders and explorers sought to establish new trade routes and markets, leading to the expansion of European colonial empires and the exploitation of indigenous peoples and resources. The desire to save the souls of local peoples or fled persecution were not significant factors driving the Age of Discovery, and there is no evidence of a seven-year-long drought in Europe during this period. While there were some attempts by East Asian kingdoms to establish trade links with Europe, it was not a major fuel for European exploration and expansion.

What Fueled the European "Age of Discovery