European nations sought possessions beyond their borders for all the following except:to strengthen their industryto become self-sufficientto increase their securityto improve living conditions in other countriesto increase their wealth

Answer: Except to improve living conditions in other countries.

Explanation:

The motives behind European seeking possession beyond their bothers were the search for basic resources to strengthen their industry, increase their wealth, become self sufficient, increase their security and also spread of Christianity and these was done by taking over Asia and Africa in terms of trade and Christianity and not to to improve living conditions in other countries.

European merchants initially traveled to China for trade purposes, however after the collapse of the Mongol Empire and burbonic plague, the Silk Roads through became unsafe so they diverted to Asia and boycotted the Muslim middle men displacing Italian merchants to obtain an increased supply of goods with profits after sale, especially ginger and cloves which were considered a necessity and luxury.

Europeans also became increasingly interested in trade in Africa, where they purchased gold, ivory and slaves. The Europeans used this Gold to acquire luxury goods from Asia.

The spread of Christianity was another goal of Europeans but less in importance in terms of economic value. Through their voyages, they had the opportunity of getting new converts to Christianity.