What led to the European exploration of the Americas?

The European exploration of the Americas was driven by a combination of economic, political, and technological factors. The desire for new trade routes to access lucrative spices and goods from Asia, alongside the competition for wealth and power among European nations, fueled exploration efforts. Advances in navigation technology, such as the compass and astrolabe, also enabled longer sea voyages. Additionally, the quest for territorial expansion and the spread of Christianity motivated explorers to venture into uncharted territories.