The European nations searched for a northwest passage during the 1500's because they wanted to get through the Pacific Ocean and reach Asia. Another reason was so they could travel to the indies going west.
To find a shorter route to get spices from China and the East Indies, which was the whole point of the voyages by Columbus. But it turned out that the only sea route was through the frozen Arctic Ocean.
A sea route across North America would offer a shorter and safer passage from Europe to the Pacific Ocean, rather than the existing route around Africa (Cape of Good Hope) or around South America (Cape Horn).
they wanted to find another route to asia.
so they could find a safer and les expensive way to get to Asia
why did european explorers seek a northwest passage
The Northwest Passage sought by early European explorers runs from the Atlantic to the Pacific through the Arctic Archipelago. It was considered impassable then because of ice and weather but is currently in use.
Northwest Passage
Principally in the 17th and 18th centuries, European (and, increasingly, American, among many other) explorers did indeed seek out the famous "Northwest Passage" said to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The motivation was economic at root: explorers sought a shorter alternative to the much longer trade routes between western markets and Asia.
The explorers called this waterway the "Northwest Passage." They believed it would provide a direct route from Europe to Asia by sailing through the northern part of the Americas. However, the Northwest Passage was never found and ultimately deemed impractical for trade purposes.
why did european explorers seek a northwest passage
The purpose of the northwest passage was for European explorers to find a way to Asia by going west. Many people believed that there was such a passage and hoped to find it.
no they never found the north west passage because there was never one
The Northwest Passage.
A northwest passage around northern America.
No, the French did not find the Northwest Passage through the establishment of colonies. The search for the Northwest Passage was primarily conducted by European explorers seeking a direct sea route to Asia through the Arctic region. French explorers did establish colonies in North America but did not find the Northwest Passage.
A Northwest Passage to Asia
Because they tried to find the northwest passage and now we know that no one can find it
The Northwest Passage Apex;;;
The Northwest Passage sought by early European explorers runs from the Atlantic to the Pacific through the Arctic Archipelago. It was considered impassable then because of ice and weather but is currently in use.
they wanted to find a water route to asia through north america
There were many explorers searching for the Northwest Passage, beginning with John Cabot in 1497. Sir Robert McClure would not discover the actual Northwest Passage until 1851.England, France, and the Netherlands hoped to discover a northwest passage.