What was the primary reason nations wanted colonies ? relieve overcrowding gain wealth to pay for war spread protestant religion avoid religious conflict

Option: Gain wealth to pay for war

Explanation:

The primary reason for the nations, wanted colonies to gain wealth to pay for the war. The nations, collected raw materials from the colonies, to generate wealth. The raw materials could be cotton, to run the mill factories, and cash crops like indigo, tobacco, sugarcane.  Also, mineral resources, such as gold and silver (bullion), to make their countries more prosperous.      

to provide for the common defense to form a more perfect union to promote the general welfare

answer; i believe that the correct answer is (tobacco);