- Access to resources: The New World was believed to be rich in natural resources, such as gold, silver, spices, and timber, which could be exploited and traded for profit.
- Acquisition of land: Colonies in the New World provided new territories for settlement, establishing plantation, and exploiting the land for agricultural purposes.
Political:
- Expansion of empires: European powers sought to expand their empires by claiming new territories in the Americas and establishing settlements.
- Strategic advantage: Control over territories in the New World could provide military and strategic advantage in global power dynamics.
Religious:
- Spreading Christianity: Many Europeans explorers and colonists held religious motives, aiming to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity and spread their religious beliefs.
Scientific and exploration:
- Uncharted lands: The New World offered the opportunity for exploration and the expansion of geographic knowledge.
- Scientific curiosity: European explorers were eager to document the new plants, animals, and landscapes encountered in the Americas.