God, Glory, Gold

Definition

These are often referred to as three main motivations for European exploration during the Age of Discovery. "God" refers to spreading Christianity; "Glory" refers to personal fame and national prestige; "Gold" refers to wealth through trade and conquests.

Related terms

Age of Exploration: A period from about 1400 CE until 1700 CE when Europeans explored Africa, Asia, and America largely driven by God, Glory, Gold motives.

Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Mercantilism: An economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances, which a government should encourage by means of protectionism.