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European explorations from about 1450 to about 1525 were altered in many different ways. Traveling across a sea was a new concept for Europeans and many explorers like Columbus, Vasco da Gama and Magellan. Specifically, economic, technological, political, and religious factors promoted European explorations. Many different economical factors helped promote the explorations. The discovery of America opened up new ground for the bourgeoisie. Christopher Columbus took a westward voyage and struck land. The people there were called Indians and the land where Columbus landed was soon called the West Indies. Trade began between Europe and America. Trade strengthened merchant groups, encouraged commerce and production for the markets. The trade of the Venetians was confined to products of the Near East only. The conquistadores came to the new lands. Cortes conquered the Aztecs and Incas. Mines were opened almost immediately for precious metals.