What role did the colonies play in the European race for geopolitical dominance?

Three motives behind the European race for colonies was to acquire raw materials, gold and spread Christianity.

Explanation:

The reason for establishing colonies in America was gold, silver, fur, and land. Each of the European colonies builds their control over Native Americans and land. All the colonies began to supply raw materials in Europe to their crown emperor to fill a royal coffer.

The French were interested in establishing colonial outposts for trading networks. They relied on Indians for beaver pelts, and exchange for French goods, like utensils, metal tools, and copper.

English colonies took the land and cultivated cash crops like tobacco, cotton, and rice. They supply raw materials to England and received manufactured goods.

The Spanish crown wanted the colonies to remain as colonies and depended upon their motherland. They received gold and silver from Spanish colonies in bullion.

Each of the colonies by different empires tried to secure their dominance in the new land. Eventually Spanish lost their influence in North America which was taken over by British, France, and Dutch.

answer; ///i believe that the correct answer is (a) the great depression