Which role did economics play in motivating Spain and Portugal to explore the world? How did competition impact their motivations for exploration?

Answer and Explanation:

1. Exploration generated wealth for both countries, which were determined to find gold and extend the trade. This increased the economy and made the needs not only of the royal family, but of the entire kingdom easily met, besides raising the two countries to the title of economic power and thus giving power and influence to other countries.

2. This also generated competition between the two who were constantly trying to establish commercial advantages with their colonies, as the commercial advantage allowed more power and influence.