Final answer:
Europeans were motivated to explore the New World to acquire resources like gold, to spread Christianity, and to attain glory and national prestige.
Step-by-step explanation:
Europeans were motivated to explore the New World for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, they sought to expand their wealth and acquire gold and other valuable resources. The desire for wealth was often driven by the scarcity of resources in Europe and the allure of the rumored riches of the New World.
Secondly, religious motivations played a pivotal role. The drive to spread Christianity and counter other religions such as Islam fueled exploration. European powers, particularly Spain and Portugal, were keen to convert indigenous populations and bolster the influence of Christianity.
Finally, exploration was motivated by the ambition for glory. National prestige and the personal renown of explorers pushed European countries to discover and claim new territories. This endeavor was also seen as a way to gain strategic advantages over rival nations.