Why was it that Iberians (Portuguese and Spanish) were the first to engage in the globe-spanning explorations of the late 15th and 16th centuries? Why not China, Japan, India, Africa, the Americas, or the various Islamic states?

Portuguese and Spain engaged in exploration because for the sake of their economy, religion, and glory.

Explanation:

Portuguese and Spain entered in the age of exploration during the 15th century. Both the empires took the lead for navigating and exploring because they were searching for the new route to find wealth and land. The exploration began because of the high prices of the imported goods and spices brought by the Silk Route.

China, India, Islamic states, and Japan did not enter in exploration because they were not part of European competition. Their region involved with the Silk Route.

America remains hidden from the world until Christopher Columbus discover in 1492. Africa came into contact with Europe when Bartolomeu Dias found South Africa in 1488.

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