European countries promoted voyages of discovery for a variety of reasons, including:
Economic: European countries wanted to establish direct trade with China and the Spice Islands. They hoped to find new sources of gold, silver, and other valuables.
Religious: Europeans wanted to spread Christianity to other parts of the world. Both Protestant and Catholic nations were eager to make new converts.
Fame and glory: Explorers saw the chance to earn fame and glory. As new lands were discovered, nations wanted to claim the lands' riches for themselves.
The voyages of discovery were conducted by the European countries of the Atlantic coasts in the 15th and 16th centuries. They were stimulated by the Renaissance, which led to new advances in sailing and navigation.
The voyages of discovery brought new technologies, ideas, plants, and animals to America. They also carried diseases against which the Indian peoples had no defenses.