To what extent were national and personal rivalries the main motives for exploration in the 15th century?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that national and personal rivalries were the main motives for exploration in the 15th century. Candidates may argue that national rivalries and the search for lands and wealth played a major role for royal families, as in the case of Portugal and Spain. Candidates may also refer to the flow of money and treasures that enriched Spain and Portugal, encouraging other European nations like England, France and the Netherlands to send expeditions. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, personal rivalries between nobles or explorers in search of fortune. Candidates may challenge the question by stating that these were not the main reasons for exploration since many voyages were motivated by the search for new routes to trade, and/or scientific and religious interests. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that national and personal rivalries were the main motives for exploration in the 15th century. Few responses were seen to this question. Some had good in-depth knowledge, but others tended to rely on generalisations.