Final answer:
Europeans were motivated to explore the Atlantic between 1450 and 1750 by factors such as the desire for an all-water route to the Indies, economic factors, and religious zeal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Between 1450 and 1750, several factors led Europeans to explore the Atlantic. One of the main motivations was the desire to find an all-water route to the eastern lands known as the Indies, which would allow Europeans to bypass Muslim middlemen who controlled access to valuable goods.
Economic factors, such as the desire for profit and the establishment of new trade routes and markets, also played a significant role. Additionally, religious zeal and the spread of Christianity drove Europeans to expand their influence and convert new populations.
The Portuguese were pioneers in Atlantic exploration, claiming islands off the coast of Africa and sailing down its western shore. They were followed by expeditions from England, Spain, and France, resulting in invasions, conquests, and the spread of diseases. The exploration of the Atlantic brought significant economic growth to European countries.