B. To dominate and control trade. Ever since travelers such as Marco Polo traveled to Eastern Asia in the 13th century, there has been a strong fascination and drive to develop trade and connections with Asia. Spices, Gunpowder, and Silk are examples of goods that were nonexistent to Europeans at the time. Having a control and influence over trade relations with Asian regions would allow colonization to be very profitable for the European countries who were able to do so.