Yes, they were used.
In the late 1400's and early 1500's, the primary motivation for the European voyages of exploration was
Extermination and enslavement.
Early in the history of European exploration of North America, California was thought to be an island.
Some reasons for early European exploration include seeking wealth through trade, spreading Christianity, expanding empires, and searching for new trade routes to Asia. Additionally, Europeans were driven by a desire for adventure and curiosity about the world beyond their known territories.
There were many concerns that plagued the early European voyages of exploration. The main concern was the danger. The boats were not as sturdy as they should have been, there was also the danger of being lost at sea. Other concerns included sailing off the edge of the earth, and sea monsters.
The three primary goals for early European exploration were to find new trade routes to Asia for valuable goods, to spread Christianity to new lands and convert indigenous populations, and to expand their empires and wealth by claiming new territories and resources.
The first major impact of the exploration of the New World was due to the early start Spain had in its exploration of the New World. Spanish conquistadors and explorers defeated Native American Tribes and with that came the shipping of gold back to Spain. This led to the submission of the Inca & Aztec Tribal empires.
Why is it important to know about the presence of Africans in early European colonial exploration and settlement in American north of the Rio Grade, or about the multiple roles originally played by blacks in Dutch or English colonial societies?
Pedro Cabral's exploration took place in the early 16th century along the eastern coast of South America, specifically in present-day Brazil. You can find maps of his exploration in historical books, museums, and online resources that focus on early European explorations in the Americas.
The Age of Exploration began in the 15th century and continued in to the early 17th century. Three factors that drove this exploration were desire to spread their religion, desire for riches and desire to gain power over other countries.
Economic