Where were European merchants trying to get to in the 15th century? Explain why and then describe how this contributed to the ‘re-discovery' of America.

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

European merchants the 15th century were trying to get to the Indies by finding a shorter route to the West Indies. That is what they intended in a time were strong competition was faced between European powers such as Spain, France, Great Britain, and the Netherlands.

This fierce competition during the Age of Exploration made Spaniards to  ‘re-discover' America.

Christopher Columbus received the sponsorship of the King of Spain Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella del Castille. We started his expedition with three ships: "la Niña," "la Pinta," and "la "Santa María." He ended up arriving at the Caribbean Islands on October 12, 1492, the official date of the "discovery of the Americas."

answer; ///i believe that the correct answer is (a) the great depression