Question

Which key factor fueled competition between
European countries for colonies in the Americas?
(1) a European shortage of pepper and nutmeg
(2) a mandate from the papacy
(3) the desire to control sources of gold and silver
(4) the need to secure laborers for factories in
Europe

Answer 1

There were of course several factors that fueled competition between European countries for colonies in the Americas, but the best option is "(3) the desire to control sources of gold and silver"