Question

Which motivation helped drive Columbus's pursuit of a westward sea route from Europe to Asia?

A) the impassable mountains and desert along the eastward land route
B) the need to find a northwest passage to the Pacific
C) the interest in exploring new continents to the west
D) the desire to find a sea route to Asia before the Portuguese

Answer 1

The correct answer is D) The desire to find a sea route to Asia before the Portuguese.

Christopher Columbus estimated that he could sucessfully navigate a voyage to Asia. This was significant because a trade route to Asia would allow a country access to rare and precious resources.

After getting support from Spain for this endeavor, Columbus sailed out hoping to reach Asia to establish a consistent trade. This trade would greatly reduce the price of resources that Europeans bought if it happened. However, Columbus stumbled upon the Americas, changing the course of world history forever.

Answer 2

D) the desire to find a sea route to Asia before the Portuguese