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

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!

Ireally don't know