“For Europeans in the Americas, the acquisition of gold and silver was more significant than acquiring land.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that for Europeans in the Americas, the acquisition of gold and silver was more significant than acquiring land. To support the statement candidates may refer to the search for precious metals as the main aim that moved Columbus to explore new sea routes in order to avoid encounters with Muslim ships; to replace depletion of African mines and to supply the European need for gold and silver to mint coin; to pay the bureaucracy and army; to pay loans and for luxury purposes. Candidates may also claim that the search for precious metals was what propitiated the initial exploration and conquest of the territory in the Americas. Candidates may challenge the statement by referring to the search for land as the main goal, especially for the lower nobility, conquerors of poor origins and the emerging bourgeoisie. They may also argue that the acquisition of lands was important to boost the prestige of the European courts and to supply many products required in Europe, such as species of animals and wood. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that for Europeans in the Americas, the acquisition of gold and silver was more significant than acquiring land.