Oil. Other than Saudi Arabia, Iran has the largest reserve of oil.
Marco Polo stirred European interest in China. About 1300 he traveled to the region, spent years there and returned to Italy telling the tales of his adventures and what he saw. He wrote a book known as The Travels of Marco Polo which was published after his death.
Leif Eriksson's interest in exploring a new land was sparked when he heard about the discovery of a new region to the west of Greenland by Bjarni Herjolfsson. This news intrigued Leif and led him to organize an expedition to find this new land, resulting in his discovery of Vinland (believed to be present-day Newfoundland in Canada).
The territory of Brazil was officially discovered on April 22, 1500, when Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral landed on its shores. This event marked the beginning of Portuguese colonization in the region. Although the land had been inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years, Cabral's arrival signified the start of European interest in Brazil.
The 1858 discovery of gold along the Carson River in Nevada marked a significant event in the American Gold Rush era. This discovery attracted thousands of prospectors and settlers to the region, leading to a boom in population and economic activity. It also contributed to the establishment of towns and infrastructure, significantly impacting the development of the western United States. The influx of people and resources further intensified the competition for land and mining rights in the area.
Coronado's exploration and discovery of the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest in the 16th century expanded European knowledge of the region and paved the way for future colonization and settlement. It also fueled Spanish ambitions to control the territory and establish a presence in North America.
The primary business opportunity that attracted Europeans to the Niger River was the lucrative trade in gold and other natural resources, including palm oil and ivory. The river served as a vital trade route, facilitating the movement of goods and enabling European traders to establish commercial relationships with local kingdoms. Additionally, the demand for slaves in the transatlantic slave trade further intensified European interest in the region, as the Niger River provided access to various communities. This combination of resource exploitation and trade opportunities significantly shaped European involvement in West Africa.
Balboa's discovery of the South Sea, which he named the Pacific Ocean, in 1513 was significant as it opened up new opportunities for exploration and trade for European powers. His crossing of the Isthmus of Panama demonstrated the existence of a vast ocean to the west of the Americas, leading to increased interest in maritime routes and the eventual colonization of the Pacific region. This pivotal moment also enhanced Spain's position as a dominant maritime empire during the Age of Exploration.
Eastern Europe had no members of the European Economic Community in the 1970s.
European interest in Persia, particularly during the 17th to 19th centuries, was driven by a combination of trade, geopolitics, and cultural fascination. The region's rich resources, including silk and spices, attracted merchants and explorers, while its strategic location between Europe and Asia made it a focal point for colonial ambitions. Additionally, European powers sought alliances with Persian rulers to counter Ottoman influence and expand their own territories. This interest was further fueled by the allure of Persian art, literature, and history, which captivated European intellectuals and artists.
Fishing plays a great role in the European region. Fishing helps with feeding.
The discovery of gold in the Transvaal region of South Africa in 1886 led to a significant economic boom and intensified British interest in the area. This event triggered a massive influx of prospectors and settlers, known as "Randlords," who established Johannesburg as a major mining hub. The gold rush contributed to tensions between the British Empire and the Boer settlers, culminating in the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) as Britain sought to consolidate control over the lucrative gold resources. Ultimately, the discovery transformed South Africa's economy and its political landscape.
British forces annexed Natal in 1843 when diamonds were discovered in the region. This discovery heightened British interest in Natal's strategic value and led to their annexation of the area.