Why did europeans begin traveling to southeast Asia in the 1500s?

Answer 1

Europe had a general tendancy towards expansion and discovery since the Middle Ages. The specific interest in Southeast Asia was spices, very highly valued commodities. Fortunes could be made bringing spices to Europe.

Answer 2

The main reason that the Europeans came to South East Asia, was to accumulate wealth.Their arrival can be broken down into 2 different phases. The early phase was before the industrial revolution and the second phase was during the industrial revolution itself. During the early phase, the Europeans came to spread Christianity, to keep themselves up to date with navigation developments such as ship building,(which the Europeans needed as they mostly travelled on ship for trade.) navigational skills etc. and for spice trade. The second phase, consisted of the Europeans coming over for a cheap source of raw materials(there were ample in SEA.).; Secondly, they came to build Empires, and to "civilise" the less educated, the less fortunate(also known as the white man's burden) etc. Lastly, there was a need to find new markets and to compete without other European powers in SEA.

Answer 3

So then those stupid asians would read a book.

Answer 4

The islands were a major source of spices, much in demand in Europe and hugely profitable.