What was a primary goal of the Age of Exploration?

The primary goal of the Age of Exploration was to find a passage to Asia for trade. During the late 15th to the early 17th centuries, European nations were intensely motivated by the desire to access the lucrative spice trade in Asia, particularly in regions like the East Indies. Spices, silk, and other exotic goods were highly valued in Europe, leading explorers to seek new maritime routes to bypass the overland trade routes that were controlled by Middle Eastern and North African intermediaries.

Explorers like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan embarked on their voyages primarily to discover more efficient and direct ways to reach Asia. Columbus, for instance, famously sought a westward route to the East Indies, although he ultimately stumbled upon the Americas. The pursuit of trade routes and the wealth they promised was a driving force behind many of the expeditions of the era, shaping the course of history as new lands were discovered and European powers began to establish colonies.

This context highlights why focusing on trade routes to Asia was central to the motivations of explorers during this transformative period. Other options mentioned, such as establishing communist rule or building alliances with American tribes, do not accurately reflect the primary motivations behind the exploration efforts of this time.