Final answer:
European explorers came to the New World primarily in pursuit of gold and riches among other motivations such as trade, land, and the spreading of Christianity, with the quest for economic prosperity being a central factor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many European explorers did indeed come to the New World in search of gold and riches. This is true. They were motivated by the potential wealth they hoped to gain from precious metals like gold, lucrative trade opportunities, land for cultivation, and valuable commodities such as fur. These expeditions were often driven by the desire for economic prosperity, which in the case of the Spanish conquistadors, was significantly influenced by the discovery of gold and silver in the Americas.
Additionally, exploration and colonization can be seen as part of a broader European strategy to establish new trade routes, spread Christianity, and gain international prestige.Many European explorers came to the New World in search of gold and riches. The European powers were motivated by the desire to acquire precious metals and increase their wealth. For example, the Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese settlers all had varying motivations but shared the goal of finding wealth in the New World. However, it is important to note that while gold and riches were one of the motivations, they were not the sole motivation for exploration.