Final answer:
The hope of finding a Northwest Passage to Asia through North America was shared by European merchants and monarchs, leading to explorations and expeditions by various European nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hope of finding a Northwest Passage to Asia through North America was shared by many European merchants and monarchs.
The Northwest Passage was believed to be a shortcut route that would provide access to the interior of North America and the Pacific Ocean, leading to profitable trade with Asia. The Spanish, French, British, Dutch, and Portuguese all embarked on expeditions in search of the Northwest Passage.