What two European countries helped start the Age of Explorations?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Discovery

Two European countries that helped start the Age of Explorations were Portugal and Spain. To arrive at this answer, you can follow these steps:

1. Understand the context: The Age of Exploration refers to the period between the 15th and 17th centuries when European nations embarked on voyages of discovery and exploration. During this time, they sought to find new trade routes, expand their empires, and explore unknown territories.

2. Focus on the key players: The Age of Exploration was largely initiated by several European powers, but two nations played significant roles in its commencement.

3. Research the exploration efforts of Portugal: Portugal was one of the pioneering nations during the Age of Exploration. In the 15th century, Portuguese explorers, such as Prince Henry the Navigator, set out to explore the African coast and establish trade routes. Their voyages led to the discovery of new territories and the establishment of trading posts.

4. Research the exploration efforts of Spain: Spain was another major player in the Age of Exploration. Spanish explorers, most notably Christopher Columbus, embarked on expeditions seeking a new route to Asia and accidentally discovered the Americas in 1492. This discovery led to further Spanish explorations, conquests, and colonization of vast territories in the Americas.

5. Analyze the significance of Portugal and Spain: Portugal and Spain's exploration efforts were instrumental in initiating the Age of Exploration. Their discoveries and conquests opened up new trade routes, expanded their empires, and paved the way for subsequent European exploration and colonization worldwide.

By following these steps, you can determine that Portugal and Spain were two European countries that helped start the Age of Exploration.