Question

The Dutch were searching for a water route to the East because

they wanted to be the first to sail around the world
they wanted to travel to the Caribbean
a shortcut would allow for direct trade with Asia
a shortcut would allow for direct trade with North America

Answer 1

The Dutch were searching for a water route to the East because a shortcut would allow for direct trade with Asia. This was a key motivation for many European powers during the Age of Exploration, as access to valuable goods such as spices, silk, and other resources from Asia was highly sought after.