Answer:
all of the above
Step-by-step explanation:
The age of exploration was prompted simply by the desire for better and free trade routes toward Asia as it provided lot of products that were attractive, high in demand, and brought lot of profit. The Ottoman Empire was huge problem in all of this as it managed to occupy the most important part of the trade route between the two continents, and in order for the others to use it demanded high taxes. With the improved technology and desire for wealth, the Europeans started to sponsor expeditions. While some managed to find routes to Asia by going around Africa, some ended up discovering two new continents, which marked the beginning of the European imperialism.