Why did portugal begin to explore the coasts of south america and africa in the 1400s?
a. to establish trading posts
b. to take over the continents
c. to establish plantations
d. to spread christianity user: which of the following nations colonized the vast majority of territory in the americas and created the first world empire?
a. portugal
b. spain
c. england
d. france

Portugal began to explore and many other after them, because of three principles God, Glory, and Gold. God for their faith to spread in the never ending war against Catholics and Protestants. Glory for prestige for being better than your neighbors. Gold for greed and paying the upkeep of your rather large nation and possibly empire. 
The First World Empire was England. Its insurmountable navy was one of the reasons it was possible. Its military also strong. Rich undoubtedly.