What was the primary motivation for many countries to seek new routes to Asia after the collapse of the Silk Road?

The primary motivation for many countries to seek new routes to Asia after the collapse of the Silk Road was the need for new trade routes. As the Silk Road declined due to factors such as the rise of the Ottoman Empire, which controlled key land routes, and the difficulties associated with overland trade, European states became increasingly concerned about accessing the valuable goods of Asia, such as spices, silk, and precious metals. This led to a search for maritime routes that could facilitate direct trade with the East, avoiding intermediaries that increased costs and decreased profits.

Explorers were motivated by the potential for wealth and economic gain that new trade routes could provide. The quest for these routes ultimately paved the way for the Age of Exploration, where countries like Portugal and Spain sought to establish their own direct access to Asian markets.