What does the Northwest Passage refer to?

The Northwest Passage refers to a water route through North America that was sought after for trade purposes. It is a network of waterways connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Archipelago of Canada. During the Age of Exploration, many European explorers attempted to find this passage as it would have provided a shorter and more efficient route for transporting goods and resources between Europe and Asia.

The idea of a water route is crucial since the passage represents a maritime connection rather than an overland route, which distinguishes it from other possibilities like trade routes through land. Understanding the significance of the Northwest Passage highlights its historical importance in the context of exploration, trade, and the quest for faster shipping routes during the 15th to 17th centuries.