Asia.
They wanted a route to Asia. The Silk Road was long, expensive, and dangerous.
Because they wanted to find out an alternative route that would allow to bypass the Middle East Muslim countries, avoid the trade monopole of the spices and other valuable goods held by Venice and Genoa and get directly to trade with Japan, China and other East Asia countries.
Europeans sought new trade routes primarily to access valuable commodities like spices, silk, and precious metals, which were highly sought after in Europe. The desire to bypass intermediaries and reduce costs, especially after the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the subsequent rise of Ottoman control over land routes, further fueled this quest. Additionally, the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of wealth, coupled with advancements in navigation and shipbuilding, motivated European powers to discover new maritime pathways to Asia and beyond.
They didn't look for a new world. They stumbled upon it. They were looking for new trade routes to the known world.
Europeans began looking for new sea routes to Asia.
Asia.
New trade routes to Asia
Europeans began looking for new sea routes to Asia.
Europeans began looking for new sea routes to Asia.
maps, diaries and new ships
They wanted a route to Asia. The Silk Road was long, expensive, and dangerous.
Ottoman taxes and restrictions on trade in its territory encouraged Europeans to seek new trade routes to Asia.
To find a route to Asia.
Europeans sought new trade routes in the 1400s primarily to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Explorers like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan were seeking direct routes to these continents in order to access valuable goods like spices, silk, and gold.
to more stuff for the europeans
European explorers searched for new trade routes to bypass the Ottoman Empire's control over existing land trade routes, to access valuable goods like spices and silk directly from Asia, and to find new sources of wealth and power. Additionally, they were motivated by competition among European nations to establish colonies and control trade routes.