Final answer:
The sudden growth of Western European exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries was driven by various factors, including the desire for new trade routes, colonization of the New World, understanding of other cultures, and spreading Christianity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sudden growth of Western European exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries was driven by several factors. One reason was the desire to find new trade routes with Asia, as the Italian states had a monopoly on trade with the Muslim world and Europeans wanted to challenge that monopoly. Another reason was the colonization of the New World, which provided opportunities for wealth and expansion. Additionally, the understanding of other cultures and the desire to spread Christianity also played a role in motivating exploration.