In the 1400s and 1500s, there was a new love for culture and scientific discovery in Europe named the Renaissance. During this time, people used scientific examination to explore how the natural world worked. This curiosity and spirit of discovery, which led to numerous inventions and scientific discoveries during the Renaissance, also led to a period of geographic exploration as individuals began to explore the seas and lands beyond Europe. Although the ideas of the Renaissance contributed to the exploration of new lands, more practical concerns were also at play. During this period, many European nations were in constant conflict with each other as they struggled to increase their power and wealth. Many of these nations believed trade with other countries was the best way to increase Europe suffered many wars in the 1400s and 1500s. . wealth. However, many of the land routes that were used for trade with Asia were controlled by other countries that blocked direct trade between European and Asian nations. As a result, European leaders began to seek new sea routes to Asia. These were the most common Asia in the 1400s. trade route between Europe and other cultures that lived in other lands. European leaders like Spain's King Ferdinand and the Portuguese prince known as Henry the Navigator financed explorers who wanted to travel across the seas. Along with the idea of looking for new trade routes, they also hoped to find new sources of gold, silver, and other valuables. Additionally, Europeans saw exploration as a way to bring Christianity to While some explorers sailed around Africa to Asia, others thought they could find a quicker route by sailing west. These voyages led to the unexpected discovery of new lands, as sailors bound for Asia came to the Caribbean islands and the continents of North America and South America. Europeans Arrive in the Caribbean On August 3, 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain, with three ships: the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria. Columbus intended to cross the Atlantic Ocean to find a quicker sea route to Asia. On October 12, 1492, men on the Pinta saw land. Although Columbus and his men thought they had reached Asia, they actually landed on what would later be known as Watlings Island in the Bahamas. Portrait of Christopher Co umbus who discovered the Americas l Co l umbus ’ three ships: the Niña , Santa Maria . Pinta , and For three months, Columbus and his men explored the islands of the Caribbean, landing on the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola (the island that contains the modern-day countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic). Columbus and his men also met the native peo
