Spices, first of all.
During the Renaissance, trade with Asia was significantly encouraged by various factors, including the rise of Italian city-states like Venice and Genoa, which established trade routes and networks. Notable figures such as Marco Polo, whose travels to Asia were documented in "The Travels of Marco Polo," inspired curiosity and interest in Asian goods. Additionally, the demand for spices, silk, and other luxury items fueled European exploration and trade initiatives during this period. Overall, a combination of explorers, merchants, and the growing wealth of Europe contributed to the encouragement of trade with Asia.
During the Age of Exploration, most explorers were primarily seeking a direct route to Asia, specifically to access its lucrative spice trade and other valuable goods. This pursuit often led them to navigate around Africa or across the Atlantic Ocean, ultimately resulting in the discovery of the Americas. The drive to reach Asia significantly shaped the course of exploration and colonization during this period.
In the late 1400s, explorers were primarily seeking new trade routes to Asia for lucrative goods like spices, silk, and precious metals. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 had disrupted traditional overland trade routes, prompting European nations to find alternative paths. Additionally, many explorers were motivated by the desire for territorial expansion, wealth, and the spread of Christianity. Notable figures like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama sought to discover new lands and establish direct trade connections with the East.
Italian murchants made huge profits by trading Asian goods. Italians used military strength to control the trade on the mediterranean and didn't allow other Europeans to take part in it. Merchants and other Europeans envied the profits made by Italian merchants, and found new routs to Asia. Sources: Creating America book and My Great Brain ;)
European explorers traveled in the 1400s primarily to find new trade routes to Asia, seeking direct access to valuable spices, silks, and other goods without relying on intermediaries. Additionally, the spirit of the Renaissance fueled curiosity about the world, while the desire for territorial expansion, wealth, and the spread of Christianity motivated many explorers. Advances in navigation and shipbuilding technology also made long voyages more feasible.
Explorers were looking for new routes to Asia to establish trade connections, acquire valuable goods like spices and silk, and potentially gain wealth and power for their home countries. Opening up direct trade routes to Asia would also help bypass the costly middlemen that controlled existing trade networks.
The main things the explorers of the 1500's wanted were: 1. A water route to Asia 2. Wealth 3. Trade goods 4. Fame
The ultimate goal of the early Portuguese explorers was to find a sea route to Asia for trade in spices and other valuable goods. They sought to establish trade connections with Asian kingdoms and bypass the overland routes controlled by the Ottomans.
European explorers were searching for new trade routes to Asia, specifically for valuable spices and other goods. They were also looking for new lands to claim in the name of their monarchs and to spread Christianity.
French explorers were originally looking for a northwest passage to Asia, as well as new trade routes and resources. English explorers were mainly searching for a northwest passage to Asia, as well as opportunities for colonization and trade.
Portuguese explorers in the 1500s were primarily motivated by a desire to find new trade routes to Asia for spices and other valuable goods. They aimed to establish profitable trade connections with the East, leading to the eventual creation of the Portuguese spice trade empire.
Explorers of England, France, and the Netherlands hoped to discover the northwest passage into Asia. They were looking for a faster way to send their goods into Asia.
Portugal was the first country to send explorers searching for a water trade route to Asia. In the late 15th century, Portuguese explorers such as Vasco da Gama successfully sailed around Africa to reach India, opening up a direct sea route for trade with Asia.
The discovery of new goods in Asia, such as spices and silk, sparked the desire for direct trade routes with Asia. This led European explorers to search for alternative sea routes to bypass the monopolies held by Arab and Italian merchants. The resulting age of exploration was driven by the economic potential of trading directly with Asia.
Simply for the trade and the money it would bring.
During Bartholomeu Dias's voyage around the southern tip of Africa in the late 15th century, he primarily sought a sea route to India and encountered various trade goods. While he did not bring back a significant amount of commercial goods, his journey contributed to the European understanding of African trade, leading to increased interest in commodities like gold, ivory, and spices. Dias's expedition ultimately paved the way for future explorers and the establishment of trade routes that would enhance the flow of goods between Europe and Asia.
They were giong to Asia to trade goods