Spain’s explorations were driven by the desire to expand its knowledge of the world, to discover spices and riches and to expand Christianity. In 1492, when Christopher Columbus, sailing for Spain, took a westerly course across the Atlantic Ocean searching for an alternative route to the Indies, he inadvertently “discovered” a new continent. Hispanic Exploration in America, Library of Congress
Based on the text, how did the economic needs of European nations such as Spain affect exploration?

A.
They caused changes in government systems.

B.
They caused knowledge of agriculture to expand.

C.
They caused changes in religious views of science.

D.
They caused countries to seek new resources and trade.

Analyze the quotation below in the context of european exploration in the americas. as you read the quote, think about what it says about columbus's motivations to explore. was he interested in gaining knowledge, wealth, or both? how did his motivations influence how he treated the people already living in the americas? i did not try to examine them in detail, because it could not be done in 50 years. for my desire is to see and discover as much as i can before returning to your highnesses, our lord willing, in april. it is true that in the event of finding places where there is gold or spices in quantity i should stop until i had collected as much as i could. i, therefore, proceed in the hope of coming across such places.