Final answer:
Prince Henry the Navigator's main objectives were to enhance trade, explore Africa's coast, and propagate Christianity, thus initiating the Portuguese maritime empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prince Henry the Navigator's main objectives were to expand trade, explore Africa's coast, and spread Christianity. As the driving force behind Portugal's Age of Discovery, he laid the foundations for a future global trading empire. His encouragement led to the development of new navigational technology, including the astrolabe and the caravel, which propelled Portuguese sailors onto the world stage.
Prince Henry's passion for exploration was spurred by his desire for increased wealth, religious expansion, and increased fame for Portugal. His establishment of a navigational school attracted mapmakers, shipbuilders, and scientists, setting the stage for Portugal's dominance in sea exploration. The explorations under his guidance paved the way for maritime trade routes to India, the Spice Islands, and ultimately the discovery of the New World by European explorers.