In the early part of the fifteenth century, Portuguese sailors had started to explore the West African coast, spurred on by a desire for new markets and a persistent dislike of the Muslims.
This question is a nightmare. The right answer isn't really there. A short answer would be that New England didn't want a second war with Great Britain. There was a real gaffuffle about pressing American seaman into British Navy vessels that cause Jefferson to impose an embargo. All of this centered about the war of 1812.
The choice is between A and B. I would pick A, but I can't eliminate B.
C and D are not really amongst the reasons, particularly C.
