Discuss the conditions in Europe that led to the discovery and conquest of Americahistory / religion

There were any number of things which led Europe to expand
beyond its borders; the discovery and conquest of America was incidental to that
expansion, which also extended into Asia:

• There
  was also renewed interest in the art of navigation: The principle of the Compass was
  known in the twelfth century; but by the 15th century, the astrolabe allowed one to
  navigate at night for long distances outside the sight of land.
  


• The rise of towns had given rise to a growth in trade
  with profit the driving motive.. Trade with the far East had originated as early as the
  Crusades when crusading knights at Constantinople and other areas saw products of
  orient; silk, spices, dyes, perfumes, rugs, even oranges. Trade continued throughout the
  Mediterranean world with Arab and Christian merchants frequently trading with one
  another.


• The Description of the
  World; or The Travels of Marco Polo (1298-1299),
  provided impetus for trade and exploration. Although there is some speculation about the
  accuracy of his book and even its authorship; it was widely read and increased
  speculation about travel to the East. Christopher Columbus kept a copy of Marco Polo's
  book which was annotated in Latin.


• The rise of nation
  states. Ruling monarchs had the power and money to sponsor a search for a water route to
  Asia. This worked well also for merchants, who wanted a uniform currency, trade laws,
  and the elimination of trade barriers. Important incidences were the marriage of
  Ferdinand and Isabella to form modern Spain; and the defeat of Richard III at the Battle
  of Bosworth Field by Henry VII.


• The Crusades were also
  important. European crusaders had had contact with Eastern Monarchs –there was no feudal
  system in the Orient. They also learned of new weapons, gunpowder, and developed
  standing armies; all of this made Monarchs stronger and feudal lords
  weaker.