Gold: Drake was driven by the desire for financial gain and the acquisition of wealth. He saw exploration as a lucrative opportunity to find new sources of riches, such as gold, silver, and valuable goods. His expeditions often had a commercial focus, and he sought to bring back valuable cargo to England.
Glory: Drake was also motivated by a desire for personal glory and recognition. He sought to make his name known throughout the world and to be remembered as a great explorer. Drake was ambitious and wanted to distinguish himself through his achievements, such as circumnavigating the globe and discovering new lands.
Sovereign service: As an English privateer, Drake served the interests of the English monarchy. His exploration efforts were often supported and sanctioned by Queen Elizabeth I, who recognized the potential benefits of exploration and the establishment of colonies. Drake saw exploration as a way to serve his country and contribute to England's power and prestige.
While religious motivations may have played a role in some exploration efforts of the time, Drake's primary driving forces were personal glory, the pursuit of wealth, and serving his country.