How did the Renaissance motivate European exploration of North America?

Question

During the Renaissance, renewed interest in learning motivated exploration and trade with new countries.

The Renaissance motivated European explorers to travel to North America to teach art, science, and music to Native Americans.

This period motivated European explorers to travel to North America to get away from the strict religious beliefs of their home countries.

During the Renaissance, people wanted to travel to North America to escape fighting in Europe.

Answer 1

The most accurate statement regarding how the Renaissance motivated European exploration of North America is the first one: "During the Renaissance, renewed interest in learning motivated exploration and trade with new countries."

The Renaissance was a period of renewed interest in science, art, and the study of classical texts, which inspired innovations in navigation, cartography, and shipbuilding. This spirit of inquiry and discovery led European nations to seek new trade routes and expand their geographical knowledge. The desire to explore new lands, including North America, was driven by economic interests, the pursuit of new resources, and competition among European powers. While some explorers did seek to spread Christianity and engage with Indigenous peoples, the overarching motivations included trade, wealth, and competition rather than solely teaching art and science or escaping religious beliefs or conflicts.