Final answer:
England and France wanted to find a northwestern route to Asia to expand trade opportunities, as this would allow them to bypass costly intermediaries on the Silk Road, lower the price of Asian goods, and establish new markets. The primary motivation for this exploration was eventually economic gains.
Step-by-step explanation:
England and France sought a northwestern route to Asia primarily to expand trade opportunities. By the time of the 15th and 16th centuries, the desire for Asian goods such as spices, silk, and porcelain was extremely high in Europe. However, the overland Silk Road was expensive and controlled by middlemen who charged high taxes and fees. Furthermore, the routes were made more perilous due to conflicts like the Crusades.
Additionally, European countries like England and France witnessed the success of Spain and Portugal's wealth accumulation through their own explorations and wanted to emulate this success. They understood the importance of a faster, more direct trade route to Asia that would enhance their economic dominance by avoiding the charges imposed by intermediaries and increasing access to the precious commodities. Alongside the economic incentives, the spread of Christianity also played a role in their explorations; however, the quest for new routes was primarily driven by the potential for significant economic gains and the establishment of new markets.
Therefore, the most accurate answer to the question would be C. To expand trade opportunities.