Why was religion an important reason for Europeans to find alternate trade routes to the Silk Road?

Answer 1

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Because there was money to be made, and alternate routes could help cut out the many middlemen along the Silk Road.

As Europe emerged from the dark ages, and its population bounded back from the Black Plague, the desire for exotic goods from the east grew. It was possible to get them, but it was very expensive, and only small amounts could be procured at one time. And because so many lands were crossed, there were amazing amounts of taxes, fees, and other costs involved in bringing back the goods from the orient.

By finding other routes, these costs could be cut down, and the amounts of goods available could be increased. This was especially true when water based routes were found. Merchants making lots of money(and thus bringing in income to their countries) could demand protection from their countries. This would drive the technology of shipbuilding. It would also open up exploration of the world to find the fastest and safest routes. It would bring in more goods to the local economies. And the stronger the local economy the more the country could afford the trappings of great nations, such as large military and public works