What were early europeans explorers looking for when they sailed across the atlantic

They thought India would be there.

It depends on how early. Typically they were looking for a new and faster route to India and China.

answer: ensure protection from communism

explanation:

the north atlantic treaty was largely dormant until the korean war initiated the establishment of nato to implement it, by means of an integrated military structure: this included the formation of supreme headquarters allied powers europe in 1951, which adopted the western union's military structures and plans.