What are two desires that spurred the age of European exploration?

1. The desire for wealth. The European economy was booming in the 15th century, and there was a growing demand for luxury goods from the East, such as spices, silk, and gold. European explorers set out to find new trade routes to Asia in order to get their hands on these valuable commodities.

2. The desire for religious conversion. The Catholic Church was very influential in Europe in the 15th century, and it was eager to spread Christianity to the rest of the world. European explorers often had a missionary zeal, and they saw exploration as a way to convert non-believers to Christianity.