New knowledge/conversion of other cultures, wealth, fame, and various other oppurtunities
Europe was obsessed with world-conquering, as all were in those days. They wanted to reintegrate their own society into the new lands they would discover.
Europeans also wanted to be rich, by either getting gold or conquering the land and being a sort of king, while working for Europe and getting funding from them as well.
Europeans, should they explore a new land, will be very famous in their land, and be looked up upon by many, while also gaining recognition from the King and Queens.
Europe (and many other societies) were eager to convert new religions into theirs. Whether they be Protestant or Catholic, they wanted these new people to be the same.
