Question

Why did the kingdom of Portugal focus on Africa in its fifteenth-century voyages of exploration?

A. Portugal desired slaves for its plantations in Brazil, and most slaves available to Europe came from eastern Africa.

B. Portugal sought to destroy the Muslim caravan trade in northern Africa and capture control of the Maghreb.

C. Portugal set its sights on acquiring gold, and wanted to obtain it directly from western African suppliers rather than through Muslim middlemen.

D. Portugal wanted to outflank its rivals on the Iberian Peninsula by establishing a colonial empire in northern and western Africa.

Answer 1

C) Portugal set it's sights on acquiring gold , and wanted to obtain it directly from Western African suppliers rather than through Muslim middlemen .

The primary goals were economical and also to find a route. They also wanted to spread Christianity and also to ensure an environment which would support missionary activity.