What was Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa's primary motivation for exploring the Strait of Magellan?
Scientific research
Establishing trade routes
Searching for gold
Securing the route against piracy
Answer
Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa's primary motivation for exploring the Strait of Magellan was to secure the route against piracy, particularly English privateers. By mapping the strait and establishing settlements, he aimed to strengthen Spain's control over this important maritime passage.
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