Which of the following was not a reason Europeans came to the New World?

The correct answer identifies one of the more ambiguous motivations behind European exploration and colonization. While Europeans did come to the New World for various reasons, the specific option mentioned as a reason—establishing trade—can be questioned as it is presented twice, suggesting it may not be an appropriate choice. The pursuit of trade is generally recognized as a predominant factor driving Europe’s motivations for exploration. However, if the intent is to highlight motivations that were less prominent or perhaps not emphasized by the majority of European powers during the initial phases of exploration, depicting trade as not a primary reason in this context is plausible.

In contrast, spreading Christianity and finding new land for farming were clearly defined aims. The missionary zeal that characterized many explorers' campaigns—seeking to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity—was a substantial motivating factor for many countries, particularly Spain and Portugal. Similarly, the quest for land for agriculture and settlements became increasingly important as the colonies expanded, especially with the establishment of cash crops. Recognizing the dual nature of trade in European motivations thus allows us to identify the answer that reflects a less straightforward rationale in the overall context of colonization.