What was the primary motivation for European exploration of the Caribbean?

The primary motivation for European exploration of the Caribbean was the search for new trade routes and resources. During the late 15th and early 16th centuries, European powers were eager to expand their trading opportunities and secure valuable resources, including spices, gold, and agricultural products like sugar and tobacco. The Caribbean, located between Europe and the Americas, offered an ideal setting for establishing trade routes and tapping into the wealth of the New World.

Explorers sought shorter and more efficient paths to Asia and the Indies, which were known for their rich goods. The discovery of the Caribbean by figures such as Christopher Columbus opened a new frontier for European nations, ultimately leading to the establishment of colonies where they could exploit the land and its resources. This focus on trade was foundational to the economic strategies of the European powers that followed, setting the stage for the expansion of colonial interests in the region.

The other motivations listed, such as colonization, religious missions, and establishing naval bases, were certainly elements of the broader European imperial strategy but were driven largely by the primary aim of securing new trade routes and resources. Thus, the search for direct and profitable access to goods and markets was the essential impetus behind European exploration of the Caribbean.