What event occurred in the 1400's in Europe that help influence new discoveries?

In the 1400s, the Age of Exploration began in Europe, significantly influenced by advancements in navigation, shipbuilding, and a renewed interest in trade routes. The invention of the compass and improvements in cartography allowed explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama to embark on daring voyages, seeking new lands and trade opportunities. This period also saw the rise of powerful nation-states that funded explorations, ultimately leading to significant discoveries and the expansion of European influence across the globe.