Final answer:
50 years ago, European exploration focused on the motives for exploration and the establishment of new territories, driven by a desire for expanded territory, new goods, precious metals, and new markets. African exploration faced geographical obstacles and lethal diseases, making colonization more challenging.
Step-by-step explanation:
European exploration 50 years ago focused on the motives for exploration and the establishment of new territories. In the 1500s-1700s, European nations like Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, and Great Britain funded voyages to seek out new territories and expand their global influence. These voyages were driven by a desire for expanded territory, new goods, precious metals, and new markets. African exploration in the 15th century, specifically along the coasts, encountered geographic obstacles, such as few harbors and navigable rivers, as well as lethal diseases. It wasn't until the second half of the 19th century that Europeans were able to colonize Africa more extensively.