Which of the following was a prominent factor during the Age of Exploration?

During the Age of Exploration, which spanned from the late 15th century to the early 17th century, one of the most prominent factors was indeed the increased trade with Asia. This period was characterized by European powers seeking new trade routes to access Asian luxury goods such as spices, silk, and precious metals. The lure of these valuable commodities motivated explorers like Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus to undertake their voyages.

As maritime technology improved, countries such as Portugal and Spain established new trade networks that connected Europe with Asia and the Americas. This expansion of trade not only led to significant economic benefits for these nations but also had profound impacts on global exchange, culture, and politics, laying the groundwork for the modern global economy.

The other options do not pertain to the Age of Exploration in the same way. The discovery of electricity, for instance, occurred much later during the Industrial Revolution. The development of the steam engine also belongs to a period after the Age of Exploration, which began in the 18th century. Lastly, the formation of new political parties relates more to developments in governance and politics that emerged after the Age of Exploration, especially during the Enlightenment and subsequent revolutions.

Thus, the increased trade with Asia was a driving