What fundamental factors drew the Europeans to the exploration, conquest, and settlement of the New World?

There are several factors. The Spanish wanted gold. The French wanted to explore for economic purposes as well, such as fur trading. The English wanted religious freedom. When Europe became overpopulated, several different countries had people leaving for a better life in the new world. Religious zealots wanted to convert the natives to Christianity (mainly Spanish missionaries, some French and English) This is a very complex subject that cannot be answered in a few sentences, it will take more research on your part.

initially it replace into the quest for a safer passage to the a strategies east via a western path so as to enhance their commerce and markets there. in spite of the undeniable fact that, it replace into additionally the quest for gold that brought about such explorations that would desire to be used to finance destiny crusades against the Muslim international. those first 2 factors are interrelated. Passage east for the Europeans the two went via land routes that have been controlled via the in many situations unfavourable Muslims, or via sea around Africa, which replace into risky and patrolled via Muslim pirates. looking risk-free passage and gold would desire to remedy the two a sort of issues of the Muslims. As time went on, in spite of the undeniable fact that, the Europeans grew to alter into aggressive with one yet another for markets and colonies interior the hot international. The wars they have been combating in Europe took on a sparkling section interior the hot international. administration of the seas will become a key project in fixing this conflict.