The need for new trade routes to the east, the desire to spread christianity, and competition between european countries all contributed to the:

beginning of European global exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries"

Explanation:

The need for new trade routes to the east, the desire to spread Christianity, and competition between European countries all contributed to the "beginning of European global exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries" since the primary goal of exploration was to extract resources and spread Christianity.