Final answer:
The 3Gs of European Exploration—God, glory, and gold—defined the primary motives behind European countries' explorations during the Age of Discovery, focusing on spreading Christianity, achieving personal and national prestige, and seeking wealth and trade opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 3Gs of European Exploration refer to the primary motives that spurred European nations to explore and conquer new territories during the Age of Discovery. These motivations are often summarized as God, glory, and gold. Below is a definition of each:
- God: This motive includes the spread of Christianity and the desire to convert non-Christians to the faith. The spread of religion was seen as both a sacred duty and a means of extending the influence of European civilizations.
- Glory: This refers to the personal and national prestige that explorers and their patrons sought to achieve through discovery. Glory was obtained by claiming new lands, making a name for oneself, and reinforcing the power and status of one's country.
- Gold: The pursuit of wealth was a significant driver of exploration. Gold, in a broader sense, also symbolizes the search for any lucrative opportunities, such as establishing new trade routes, accessing new resources, and expanding commercial prospects.
These three interrelated motives propelled European nations to undertake risky sea voyages, improve navigational technologies, and ultimately shape the course of globalization through exploration and trade.