Why did explorers explore?

Why did explorers explore?As we learn about and study Columbus, Magellan, de Gama and Vespucci, we often forget to ask an important question regarding travelers of their time

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Many people in Europe believed that one of their duties as Christians was to bring their religion to all corners of the earth. Whenever explorers came across native peoples in new land, they set up missionaries to teach their religion to those who had different beliefs as they believed God would reward them for spreading the faith. Although this type of missionary work had good intentions, many Europeans forced native people to believe in Christianity. GoldRumors of gold- amounts beyond their wildest dreams- made explorers believe they could get rich quickly. Gold helped empires or countries to become more powerful, as it helped pay for a countrys war, debt or fund future expeditions. In fact, the promise of gold was precisely the reason King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella agreed to fund Columbus voyage to Asia in the first place!

GloryMany explorers sailed simply for their chance at receiving glory. Glory was found in the land they might claim, the people they might conquer, or the gold they might find.

GrowthMany explorers sailed to claim new land to help their countries grow large and powerful. They wanted to take all of the natural resources from the land and use the people that lived there as slaves to do their work. Many countries established colonies on lands all around the world- some of which still exist today!

AdventureMany explorers enjoyed the adventure that came along with the wild journeys that they took. Oftentimes, early explorers ventured across unexplored territories, so treacherous waterways, new people, and unique situations always presented a new adventure to them.