1) Beginning in the early 1400s, European nations led by Portugal began exploring beyond their borders, driven by desires for wealth, spreading Christianity, and new technologies like the caravel ship.
2) Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal played a key role in sponsoring Portuguese exploration down the west coast of Africa. Portuguese sailors like da Gama and Cabral reached India and Brazil, expanding Portugal's trading empire.
3) Spain joined the exploration, with Columbus reaching the Caribbean in 1492 while seeking a western route to Asia. This led to European colonization of the Americas and tensions with Portugal over territory that were resolved by the Treaty of Tordesillas.