Why did European countries believe that exploring other parts of the world would help them become more powerful?

They had this belief because they were in search for more territories that could bring them much more benefits such as: Natural resources (gold, crops, diamonds, emmeralds, spices) which enhanced their economy, the expansion of their empire generated influece and power.

Explanation:

“i think it is very plausible that if there are five votes to end the death penalty, it could be with the people who are on the court right now,” - smith

so basically it is not clearly and consistently imposed

the two things that develop a strong social foundation are: a. separation of church and states e. education received attention separation of church and states separate the illogical  argument that came from religious beliefs to a fact based belief. while education will make us remember the past to avoid the repeat of our mistakes.