The primary reason for the exploration of the New World was the pursuit of new trade routes and resources, particularly for lucrative goods like spices, gold, and silver. European powers, especially Spain and Portugal, sought direct access to Asia to bypass the Middle Eastern intermediaries who controlled trade routes. The search for wealth led to the discovery of islands and mainland territories in the Americas by explorers such as Columbus, Magellan, and Cortés. This exploration not only resulted in the European conquest and colonization of the New World but also initiated significant cultural exchanges and the impact of European influence on indigenous populations.