What was the effort by major European nations to gain colonies?

The effort by major European countries to gain colonies was referred to as the Age of Exploration or the Age of Discovery. This era, which transpired between the 15th and 18th centuries, was characterized by intense competition among European powers to explore and colonize territories in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The primary motivations behind this era were:

1. Economic Expansion and Trade: European nations sought new trade routes and access to valuable commodities such as spices, gold, silver, and other resources from the East. India, China, and the Spice Islands were significant targets of exploration.

2. Search for wealth: The exploration and colonization also aimed to increase economic wealth and power for the patronizing European nations. The acquisition of gold, silver, precious metals, and resources was an important driving factor.

3. Religious Motives: Religious fervour and missionary zeal played a role in the exploration as European powers sought to spread Christianity and convert indigenous peoples to their faiths.

4. Competition and Nationalism: There was a spirit of competition among European nations to claim and control new lands. Establishing colonies was seen as a mark of national prestige and dominance, fuelling rivalries between powers like Portugal, Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands.

5. Scientific curiosity: The exploration allowed Europeans to gain a deeper understanding of the world, including its geography, flora, and fauna. Intellectual curiosity and scientific advancements played significant roles in driving exploration.

6. Imperial ambitions: The desire to gain territorial empires and expand political influence was another factor that motivated European countries to colonize other regions.