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Motives for Exploration

Definition

The motives for exploration refer to the various reasons that prompted European nations to explore and colonize new lands during the Age of Discovery. These included economic gain, religious conversion, competition for power, and scientific curiosity.

Analogy

Think of motives for exploration like a student choosing a college major. They might be motivated by potential income (economic gain), personal interest (scientific curiosity), family tradition (religious conversion), or outdoing their peers (competition).

Related terms

Imperialism: A policy or ideology of extending a country's rule over foreign nations, often by military force or by gaining political and economic control. This was one motive behind exploration.

Missionary Activity: Religious work carried out by missionaries in foreign countries to spread their faith. This was another motive behind exploration.

Gold, God, Glory: A phrase summarizing the primary motives of explorers during the Age of Discovery - wealth (gold), spreading Christianity (God) and national prestige (glory).