Final Answer:
1. European explorers hoped to find new trade routes, resources, and opportunities for wealth when exploring the Americas.
2. Europeans were interested in the Americas due to the potential for economic gain through the discovery of valuable resources, trade routes, and strategic advantages.
Step-by-step explanation:
European exploration of the Americas during the Age of Discovery was driven by a quest for new trade routes to Asia and the desire to access valuable resources. The explorers, including Christopher Columbus and others, believed that by finding a westward route to Asia, they could bypass existing trade routes controlled by the Ottoman Empire.
This would not only open up new opportunities for trade but also potentially lead to significant economic gains for European nations. The hope was to discover untapped wealth, such as gold, silver, and other valuable commodities, which could contribute to the prosperity of their home countries.
Moreover, the Europeans were interested in gaining strategic advantages over rival nations. The competition among European powers fueled a desire to establish colonies in the Americas, securing control over territories and resources. The establishment of colonies was seen as a means to enhance economic power, strengthen military capabilities, and expand political influence.
The European powers aimed to exploit the Americas for their economic and geopolitical interests, ultimately seeking to establish dominance in the global arena. Overall, the exploration and interest in the Americas were driven by a complex interplay of economic, strategic, and geopolitical motives, reflecting the ambitions of European powers during this historical period.