Question

What was one reason Portugal led Europe’s exploration of the world?

Answer 1

In the 15th and 16th centuries, in particular, Europeans were intent on seeking out a new and faster route to Asian trade markets than those that already existed. Their searches led to the discovery of the New World of the Americas, which was then explored both for its intrinsic wealth and for the sake of that still undiscovered, and still desired, "Passage to the East."