Could someone give me some ideas for this history question?

1. Why was this period at the end of the 1400s marked as the Age of Exploration? What was motivating European expansion in the late 15th century? Please include information concerning the obstacles that European monarchies and their explorers encountered in Europe before they even began exploring as well as the obstacles they encountered in the New World? Make sure to provide evidence of the different methods of adaptation (environmental, cultural, economic) taking place in the New World. An essay should include examples from the primary source readings to gain maximum point value.