• Why was it Europeans that decided and were able to make the long voyages to the Americas?

 The European exploration of the Americas beginning in the late 15th century was driven by a combination of factors that placed Europeans in a unique position to undertake these voyages. Here are the key reasons:

1. *Technological Advancements*: By the late 15th century, Europeans had made significant progress in navigation and shipbuilding technology. The invention of the caravel, which was a ship design well-suited for ocean voyaging, along with advancements in maps, the compass, and knowledge of winds and currents, allowed for longer voyages.

2. *Economic Motivations*: The desire to find new trade routes to Asia and the wealth that came from trade was a strong motivator. Europeans were particularly interested in finding a sea route to Asia to obtain spices, silk, and other luxuries without having to go through middlemen in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

3. *Political Ambitions*: European states, especially Spain and Portugal, were in competition with one another for prestige and power. Claiming new territories was a way to enhance their stature and influence.

4. *Religious Goals*: The spread of Christianity was a significant motive for exploration. Europeans, especially Spain after the Reconquista, wanted to convert indigenous populations to Christianity.

5. *Adventure and Curiosity*: There was a sense of adventure and curiosity about the world and a desire to see what lay beyond the known ocean, spurred on by stories of Marco Polo and other travelers.

The combination of these factors meant that Europe was the cradle of a wave of explorations that led to the encounter with the Americas.