- Drake's primary goal was to acquire wealth through trade, plunder, and piracy. He sought valuable goods, such as spices, gold, silver, and jewels, which could be sold for significant profit in Europe.
2. Exploring and Mapping:
- Drake was also driven by the spirit of exploration. He aimed to discover new lands, trade routes, and resources that could benefit England. His voyages contributed to the expansion of geographic knowledge and the mapping of uncharted territories.
3. Expanding English Power and Influence:
- Drake's exploits and successes enhanced England's prestige and power in the age of exploration. He helped establish England as a major maritime and trading nation, challenging the dominance of Spain and Portugal.
4. Political and Religious Rivalries:
- Drake's era was marked by political and religious tensions between England and Spain. He took advantage of these rivalries and targeted Spanish colonies and ships, weakening the Spanish control in the New World.
5. Circumnavigation:
- Drake sought to become the second person to successfully circumnavigate the globe, following in the footsteps of Ferdinand Magellan. He accomplished this feat in 1580, demonstrating England's naval capabilities.
6. Colonization:
- Drake contributed to the establishment of English colonies in North America. His 1579 expedition resulted in the unsuccessful attempt to settle a colony in present-day California, but it laid the foundation for future English colonization efforts.