A. In the second half of the fifteenth century the monarchies of France, England, and Spain began searching for new opportunities to expand and stabilize their countries. A faster trade route to Asia and a share in the African gold trade fueled these countries interests outside their borders and to parts of the world that had yet to be discovered by the Europeans. B. Three reasons why Europeans believed in and desired imperialist growth. 1. Cultural/Religious Beliefs – First, people looking for religious freedom and second, religions hoping to convert natives from their devilish ways. 2. Economic – Better trade routes, and new commodities to trade inside and outside their own countries. Merchants sought exotic goods to sell and new ports