10. There were many different reasons for the beginning of the Age of Exploration. However, there was one single primary factor that encouraged the Europeans to start the Age of Exploration What factor was the primary reason for the beginning of the Age of Exploration? Colonization of new temtones Increase the number of slaves Expand trade routes Deal with border conflicts

## Step 1<br />The Age of Exploration, also known as the Age of Discovery, was a period from the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century during which Europeans explored Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. The main goal of these explorations was to find new trading routes and potential goods.<br />## Step 2<br />While colonization of new territories, increasing the number of slaves, and dealing with border conflicts were indeed part of the consequences and outcomes of the Age of Exploration, they were not the primary reasons for its initiation.<br />## Step 3<br />The primary reason for the beginning of the Age of Exploration was to expand trade routes. This was the main goal of the explorations, as Europeans were looking to find new trading routes and potential goods.