The powerful countries of Europe wanted to add to their territory and gain new wealth. Starting in the 1400s, kings and queens paid for ships and seafarers to explore new lands and find new sources of fortune. Many set sail for the New World. The New World consisted of North and South America and any islands near those continents. Europe, Asia, and Africa are considered the Old World. Click on the map below to see the two worlds.
The lands of the New World already had people living there for centuries. Regardless, European nations wanted to conquer these lands and settle their people in the New World. Other European countries were more interested in becoming rich by finding gold, spices, fur, timber, and more.
The spreading of religion was a big motivation for many of the monarchs who invested in exploration. Another motivation was bringing glory to their countries through new conquests and settlements. These motives were said to be for God (spreading Christianity) and gold (wealth).
