Countries like Spain, Portugal France and Britain were geographically at an advantage to colonize the Americas; they were not only physically closer but the wind blew in a fixed direction; once they learned the directions of the currents, they were in a prominent position for intercontinental travel to the Americas. Adding to this, Europeans had many motivators driving them to the Americas. In the 16th century, they had realized their marginal place in Eurasian commerce and were looking to get gain riches and power. The Americas were untapped land to them full of possibilities to help them up their status in society. In addition, impoverished nobles and poor commoners wanted a piece of the action in the colonies, while missionaries wanted to spread Christianity and persecuted minorities were in search for new life. (Strayer P406)
There is also the aspect of human nature which seeks adventure. Coming to the Americas was the ultimate voyage and appealed to a particular side of the human spirit, appealed to our need for exploration, our need to search and satisfy a craving for more. Coming to the Americas was the ultimate adventure.
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