Question

The need for new trade routes to the east the desire to spread Christianity and blank prompted the start of European exploration in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries

Answer 1

Well, during this time period the Spanish, English and the French - among others - sought out to get three things; God, Gold and Glory ( known as the three G's). God was the spread of Christianity and other sub-religions of the anglican church. Gold, was the need and want for money. And glory stated the desire of power and dominance over the New World. 

Hope this helps!