During the age of exploration, what was a primary reason for the European interest in Africa?

The primary reason for European interest in Africa during the age of exploration was the quest for natural resources. Europe had a growing demand for various raw materials to support its expanding economies and industries. The Age of Exploration, which spanned from the late 15th century to the early 17th century, saw European powers seeking new sources of valuable commodities such as gold, silver, spices, and later on, rubber and palm oil.

As Europeans established trade routes and colonies, they recognized Africa’s wealth in natural resources, particularly in gold and other precious metals, as well as the potential for agricultural products that could be cultivated and exported. This motivated powerful nations to explore and exploit the African continent, laying the groundwork for future colonial exploits.

The other options relate to aspects that did not primarily drive exploration at this time. The spread of education, for instance, was not a primary motivation; rather, most European powers were focused on economic gain and territorial expansion. Industrialization, while significant later in the 18th and 19th centuries, began to take shape after the initial age of exploration and had not yet reached its peak when exploration in Africa was at its height. Similarly, the expansion of artwork was not a primary driver compared to the urgent need