Final answer:
Geography influenced European nations' colonial desires during the Age of Discovery due to the abundance of natural resources and the potential for new trade routes and markets. Control over strategic geographical locations was seen as an avenue to enhance economic and military power, elevate national prestige, and secure needed raw materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Age of Discovery, the geography of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia played a significant role in European nations' desire to expand and colonize. These regions were rich in natural resources such as gold, diamonds, and spices, which Europeans desired to enhance the wealth and status of their nations. Notably, the British colonization of South Africa was driven by the presence of diamond and gold mines.
The quest for new territories also aimed at establishing new trade routes and markets for European goods. Geographical discoveries encouraged improvements in navigational technologies and spurred European nations to compete for influence and power by staking claims in uncharted territories. This expansionism sought to boost national pride, secure raw materials, create new markets, and achieve military dominance over rivals.
Overall, European countries recognized that controlling lands with abundant resources or strategic locations could significantly impact their economies and international standings. Hence, geography was a critical factor in the colonial ambitioGeography's Role in European Colonizationns of European nations during the Age of Discovery.