answersLogoWhite

0

Before the Europeans began to look for new trading routes, they would simply use the Mediterranean as a connection to the Middle East. However, the Italians took control of the Mediterranean. This wasn't good for other European countries, as they now had to sail through Italian controlled waters which meant they'd have to pay taxes or share some of their resources, or they weren't even allowed through. This made other Europeans look for new trade routes to Asia and the Middle East. The first new trade route created was one that went around the coast of Africa. It was actually pretty dangerous as there were many rocks close to shore, and it took a while to sail the route. The Portuguese founded this route but it was mostly used by the Dutch as well.

Europeans were becoming aware that this trade route around Africa was ridiculous, but they truly had no other option. That's when Christopher Columbus came along. He was an Italian explorer. He believed that you could sail straight across the Atlantic and shortly arrive in the Far East. Most called him crazy as it was believed that the Earth was flat at this time, and you'd fall off the edge if you sailed across the Atlantic. He asked many countries to fund his voyage, such as Portugal and Italy, but none approved until finally he asked Spain, who accepted. He set sail across the Atlantic with a fleet (mostly Spanish), and arrived in the New World (which is why Spain is credited with finding the New World). It wasn't proved that this was the New World until Amerigo Vespucci (another Italian explorer) showed this.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?