Europeans were desperate to get spices from Asia. Spices were used to preserve
foods and keep them from spoiling. Spices, however, were expensive and
dangerous to get. Traders had to travel parts of the dangerous Silk Road (a
land route from Europe to Asia) to get them. Because the Silk Road was
frequently closed due to various wars, European rulers began to pay for
explorations to find a sea route to Asia so they could get spices more easily
and for cheaper. Portugal was the first European country that sent explorers to
search for the sea route to Asia. Prince Henry the Navigator started a school
of navigation and financed the first voyages to the west coast of Africa.
foods and keep them from spoiling. Spices, however, were expensive and
dangerous to get. Traders had to travel parts of the dangerous Silk Road (a
land route from Europe to Asia) to get them. Because the Silk Road was
frequently closed due to various wars, European rulers began to pay for
explorations to find a sea route to Asia so they could get spices more easily
and for cheaper. Portugal was the first European country that sent explorers to
search for the sea route to Asia. Prince Henry the Navigator started a school
of navigation and financed the first voyages to the west coast of Africa.
The reason they went on this voyage is because they were seeking for a better way to trade values and new land. Though the desire to simply explore the unknown and discover new knowledge is a typical human trait, the world's famous explorers often lacked the funding needed for a ship, supplies, and a crew to get underway on their journeys. As a result, many turned to their respective governments which had their own desires for the exploration of new areas. Many nations were looking for goods such as silver and gold but one of the
biggest reasons for exploration was the desire to find a new route for the spice
and silk trades. When the Ottoman Empire took control of Constantinople in 1453,
it blocked European access to the area, severely limiting trade. In addition, it
also blocked access to North Africa and the Red Sea -- two very important trade
routes to the Far East..
biggest reasons for exploration was the desire to find a new route for the spice
and silk trades. When the Ottoman Empire took control of Constantinople in 1453,
it blocked European access to the area, severely limiting trade. In addition, it
also blocked access to North Africa and the Red Sea -- two very important trade
routes to the Far East..
Here is a video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjEGncridoQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjEGncridoQ