Many things led to European exploration. The main reason is the desire for new sources and wealth. Also, during overseas exploration they hoped to benefit a profitable business in Europe. Overall the main reason was to gain land, get money, and to spread religion. This is what led to European exploration. Spain and Portugal had a rivalry for land. This problem was then solved by the pope. The pope decided to draw a line down the middle and give Spain the side with the Americas, and Portugal the side with Europe and Asia. Whatever that was discovered on Spain's side, even if it was by Portugal it went to Spain. Whatever that was discovered on Portugal's side belongs to Portugal even if discovered by Spain. The line soon changed because Portugal
