Final answer:
The motivations for ordinary Spanish people to embark on voyages of exploration included a desire for adventure, the search for riches and new lands, and the spread of Christianity. These motivations are often summarized under God, glory, and gold, indicating religious, personal, and economic incentives for the explorations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the motivations that drove ordinary Spanish individuals to embark on voyages of exploration during the Age of Exploration. The compelling factors included the desire for adventures and new experiences, the hope of finding new lands and riches, and the desire to spread Christianity. These motivations align with the historical framework that historians summarize as driven by God, glory, and gold. Spanish explorers like Christopher Columbus were inspired by religious zeal while also seeking opportunities to acquire wealth through trade or colonization, and to achieve personal glory. Moreover, the Spanish monarchy had a strategic interest in spreading Christianity to expand their influence, which further motivated exploration.
Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal, known for his significant role in the early days of the Portuguese Empire, epitomized this blend of motivations with his own described 'great desire to make increase in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ and to bring him all the souls that should be saved'. The Spanish monarchy, notably Queen Isabella, was also driven by similar motivations. The desire to strengthen and glorify their own empire via acquisitions from the New World was another driving factor as immense wealth and a surge in arts and literature characterized the Spanish golden age. In essence, these voyages were as much about personal ambitions and economic gains as they were about spreading religious influence.