Which statement best reflects a reason why Europeans ventured to the New World?

The motivation for Europeans venturing to the New World was multifaceted, but the most compelling reason was the search for new resources to increase wealth. During the Age of Exploration, European nations were driven by a desire to find precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as valuable commodities like spices, sugar, and later tobacco. These resources were crucial for increasing the wealth of nations and their economies, as well as funding further exploration and military endeavors.

While establishing trade and increasing a ruler's power were certainly significant motivations, they often stemmed from the overarching goal of acquiring resources. Trade routes were established in part to facilitate the exchange of these resources, which would enhance a nation's wealth and power. Additionally, the spread of Christianity was an important factor for many explorers and had its own significance, but the immediate ambition to find wealth through natural resources was a primary driver of European exploration efforts. Thus, the quest for resources stands as the most direct and influential reason for the European exploration of the New World.