Final answer:
The Age of Discovery, led by Spain and Portugal, brought technological advancement and was driven by economic gains and religious expansion, resulting in significant long-term effects on global trade and society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the Age of Discovery, a pivotal era in history that was characterized by European countries, particularly Spain and Portugal, embarking on expeditions to explore and colonize new territories. The factors influencing this period include technological advances, a desire to expand trade, as well as religious motivations, such as the spread of Christianity. With respect to the Asian context, the Ming dynasty of China also undertook voyages, although with different goals compared to the Iberian expeditions.
In considering the pros and cons of the Age of Exploration, one must weigh the widespread establishment of new trade routes and the diffusion of cultures against the detrimental impacts, such as the onset of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and the subjugation of indigenous peoples. The economic and religious forces at play were significant in shaping the conduct of nations during this period. While the economic opportunities facilitated colonial endeavors and the quest for new markets, religious fervor often fueled these voyages, leading to the propagation of Christianity across new continents.
From the provided lesson summaries and background information, one might conclude that while the Age of Discovery had profound long-term effects on the world order, including the development of global trade networks and the alteration of entire societies, there were also immediate and significant negatives such as cultural displacement, exploitation, and ecological changes.