The European overseas expansion marks the era where many nations were trying to place a mark and make some necessary developments in terms of exploration. Europe characterizes the presence of the then artistic encounters between itself and other nations such as Africa, the Americas, and Asia. The eve of exploration was marked by several encounters of trade and voyages that connected these regions with the people from Europe having different but interesting motives. Europeans had many reasons for expanding their reach into the rest of the world, which included the fascination to see other far-off lands. The other motives included the belief that there was much to be gained from trade with these distant cultures, including valuable spices and other goods.
Spain had several factors contributing to its ability to conquer the Aztecs and Incas. These factors include superior military technology incorporating guns and cannons. The use of diseases such as smallpox to decimate the large populations of the Aztecs. Furthermore, there was a strong desire to convert these people to Christianity, which became the major motivating factor towards conquering them and subduing them to their will.
Some characteristics of official Spanish policy toward the Indians were that the Spaniards wanted to convert the Indians to Christianity and make them loyal subjects of the Spanish crown. The measures taken to protect the Indians from exploitation were the creation of the encomienda system and the establishment of the Inquisition. The important groups of Spaniards who championed the cause of humane treatment of the Indians were the Catholic Church and the Royal Council of the Indies.
The Columbian Exchange represents the vast transfer in aspects related to plants, culture, technology, animals, and even ideas between the Americas and the other parts of the old world. Amongst the plants involved in the exchange were maize, tomatoes, pumpkins, and tobacco. The diseases involved in this cross-culture included measles, smallpox, and the influenza virus. Some animals that moved boundaries included horses, chickens, pigs, and sheep. These exchanges had some positive effects, while some of the negative implications led to the spread of diseases. The most far-reaching of them involved the development of new foods and the introduction of new forms of medication. The exploration took place in many nations, including Africa, Asia, and America, with an aim to develop technology and not lag behind during the scramble and partition of power.