What did the Age of Discovery primarily seek to accomplish?

The Age of Discovery primarily aimed to find new trade routes and riches as European powers explored uncharted territories from the late 15th century through the early 17th century. This era marked significant advancements in navigation and shipbuilding, which enabled explorers like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan to travel to previously unreachable regions. The search for new routes to Asia, particularly for spices and trade goods, was driven by the lucrative potential these markets represented. Wealth was not solely in terms of currency but also included valuable commodities like silk, gold, and precious stones, which could be traded in Europe.

Option A, focusing on exploring Antarctica, is not applicable because the exploration of that continent did not occur until later centuries and was not a primary motivation during the Age of Discovery. Option C suggests promoting global peace, which contradicts the competitive and often violent nature of exploration that characterized the period, as nations sought to conquer and colonize new lands. Lastly, option D mentions the establishment of authoritarian governments, which was not a primary goal of this era; rather, the focus was on expanding trade and wealth through exploration and colonization. This age laid the groundwork for various global interactions, including trade networks and cultural exchanges, that would shape the