Question

Which statement provides the primary reason for explorers seeking a passage connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean?

A) To expedite trade routes and access to new markets
B) To establish naval superiority over other nations
C) To discover new lands and claim territories
D) To facilitate scientific research and exploration opportunities

Answer 1

Explorers sought a passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans primarily to expedite trade routes and access to new markets, which was crucial for economic growth and strategic advantages.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary reason for explorers seeking a passage connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean was To expedite trade routes and access to new markets (A).

This motivation arose from a combination of factors including: the desire to avoid taxes levied by intermediaries such as the Ottomans, the search for quicker routes to lucrative trade destinations in Asia, and the need to establish new trade connections following the decline of overland routes due to factors such as the collapse of the Mongol Empire and increased danger of travel. Explorations such as those by Lewis and Clark also aimed to discover the commercial possibilities of newfound lands and potential trade routes to further these objectives.