2) the leading factor in the european colonization of asia between 1500 and 1800 was the desire

The Spice Trade was the main factor for the beginning of the European colonization of Asia in the 1500's, however the leading factor was more trading under colonization. This led to a great scramble for asian colonies amongst the British, the French, the Dutch and the Portuguese. The european empires introduced Western concepts of nation and the multinational state. However, the rise of European political power, commerce and culture gave rise to a desire of a growing trade of commodities through Asia. 

Iwould say all the above personally but i think the desert would be d