- They were searching for the sea route to India and the Far East to get spices and other commodities. The Turks had blocked the land route.
- The Europeans wanted to acquire gold and other precious items that were believed to be in existence in Africa.
- The Europeans wanted to revenge against the Muslims who had colonized the Iberian Peninsula between 8th c and 1491 AD.
- They were motivated by the desire to spread their civilization to the backward areas of the world.
- e. European countries such as Portugal and Spain also wanted to increase their geographical knowledge.