According to the History Channel, Europeans had motives for exploring the new world such as God, Gold, and Glory.
Europeans felt it was their Christian duty to spread the word of God through Christianity. Another European motive was the search for gold to enhance the richness of their home country (often in the name of their ruler(s)/monarch(s)). Europeans also explored for glory and to promote their home country’s power , show off their military might, and to spread their influence.
European exploration forever changed the New World through the spread of disease, religious assimilation, slavery/indentured servitude, cultural/social assimilation, weapon exchange, and economic trade. The United States still feels the effects of many of these changes such as with the near eradication of many Native American tribes and their ways of lives/cultures.
