The primary motivation behind the Age of Exploration was the quest for new trade routes and resources. European nations sought to expand their trade networks to access valuable commodities, such as spices, gold, and silk, primarily from Asia. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 pushed merchants to find alternative routes to the East, leading to attempts to navigate around Africa and across the Atlantic. Moreover, the Renaissance spurred advancements in navigation and shipbuilding technology, facilitating exploration. The Age of Exploration ultimately resulted in significant cultural exchanges, colonization, and lasting impacts on indigenous populations, shaping world history in profound ways.