Explain how the new learning and technology of the Renaissance facilitated European exploration and expansion.

The Renaissance was a time of renewed interest in learning
and technology. As  a result of this "rebirth" in learning, a number of technological
developments long known to Islamic sailors came into use in Western Europe. Among them
were the Compass, which aided in navigation, and the Astrolabe, which enabled ships to
navigate by the stars. Previously, they had navigated by the position of the sun in the
sky. The adoption of the lateen sail enabled ships to tack against the wind, rather than
wait on favorable winds. These developments allowed ships to navigate and sail long
distances outside the sight of land and not lie idle during contrary winds. 

Much of the renaissance learning regarding navigation and sailing was
the work of the school of navigation founded by Prince Henry the Navigator, son of King
John of Portugal. Henry had an intense interest in exploration and in spreading
Christianity. His school of navigation led to the first explorations of the African
Coast below the Cape.