Why did Europeans press westward during this period, instead of concentrating in the more easily defended coastal towns?
What period are you speaking of...and where?
The westward expansion of Europeans during this period was driven by several factors, including economic motives, the search for new trade routes, religious and cultural motivations, and technological advancements. To understand why they pressed westward rather than concentrating in coastal towns, let's break it down:
1. Economic Motives: One of the primary reasons for European westward expansion was the desire for economic opportunities. European states sought to establish direct trade routes with the prosperous empires of Asia, bypassing the intermediaries who controlled the overland routes. This led them to search for new sea routes to Asia, ultimately resulting in the discovery of the Americas.
2. Search for New Trade Routes: The Europeans were motivated to find new trade routes due to the high demand for valuable resources such as spices, silk, and precious metals. By exploring new territories and establishing colonies, they hoped to gain direct control over these resources and eliminate the need to depend on existing trade networks.
3. Religious and Cultural Motivations: The period of westward expansion coincided with the European Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation. These movements fostered a spirit of exploration and missionary zeal. European powers viewed the expansion as an opportunity to spread Christianity and civilize what they perceived as "uncivilized" lands. They believed that by establishing colonies, they could convert the indigenous populations to their religious and cultural beliefs.
4. Technological Advancements: Advances in shipbuilding and navigation technology played a crucial role in the ability of Europeans to venture further into the unknown. Developments such as the invention of the caravel, the astrolabe, and later, the compass, enabled more accurate navigation and safer transoceanic voyages. This newfound knowledge and technology increased the confidence and ability of Europeans to explore and settle in distant lands.
Regarding the concentration in easily defended coastal towns, the Europeans initially established trading posts along the coasts. These coastal towns served as strongholds and bases for further exploration and expansion. However, as colonization progressed, it became more lucrative for the European powers to establish inland colonies and exploit the vast resources of the interior. The interior lands offered untapped resources, fertile farmlands, and potential riches such as gold and silver, attracting more settlers and leading to the establishment of inland settlements rather than just coastal ones.
In summary, the westward expansion of Europeans during this period was driven by economic, trade, religious, and technological factors. While coastal towns initially served as starting points, the lure of new resources and opportunities inland led to increased colonization and settlement far from the coast.