Final answer:
Europeans embarked on world exploration in the 1400s and 1500s primarily in search of new trade routes and to spread Christianity, facilitated by advancements in navigational technology like the compass and astrolabe, as well as ship designs like the caravel.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reasons for European Exploration
During the 1400s and 1500s, two primary reasons Europeans began exploring the world were the quest for new trade routes and the spread of Christianity. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 disrupted the land trade routes to Asia, prompting Europeans to search for sea routes to obtain valuable goods like spices, silk, and gold. Moreover, the drive to spread the Christian faith to new areas was a powerful motivator for the explorers of the time.
Technological Advancements in Exploration
To accomplish their exploratory goals, Europeans possessed advanced navigational technologies such as the compass, astrolabe, and improved ship designs like the caravel. These innovations allowed navigators to travel farther and more safely than before. Combined with the desire for wealth and religious expansion, European nations were poised to embark on an age of exploration that would reshape the world order.