Answer:
The three factors that led to European exploration were economy, glory, and religion. The age of exploration began in the 15th century because Europeans were beginning to look for a new route to find Asia for spices and silk, which they became accustomed through Silk Route. Getting luxury items were becoming expensive for the Europeans merchants and people through Silk Route.
Europeans began to show interest in exploration because of the wealth and land they found in unknown land during the 15th century. European wanted to strengthen their economic position in Europe to show their power. European found New World and found routes to India and the Far East.
European empires began to establish colonies in new places like Central America and South America, where Spanish defeated the ancient empires of Maya, Aztec and Inca. Portuguese empire built their colonies in Africa, India, and in New World. European began to establish colonies to show their glory by gaining wealth and land.
Religious played a significant role in the Spanish conquest of the New World. The Papal Bull issued by Pope Alexander VI allowed Spain to have an exclusive right to the land discovered by Columbus. The Papal also gave the right to convert the Native Indians into catholic to save their soul.
