Which best describes the reason for increased European sailing voyages during the Age of Discovery?
ANSWER:
Explorers were seeking to find new routes to the spice markets of Asia
To determine the reason for increased European sailing voyages during the Age of Discovery, we need to consider the historical context. The Age of Discovery, also known as the Age of Exploration, lasted from the 15th to the 17th century. During this time, European countries experienced a surge in maritime exploration and expansion.
One of the main reasons for the increased European sailing voyages was the desire to find new routes to the spice markets of Asia. Spices, such as pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, were highly sought after in Europe for their culinary and medicinal purposes. However, at the time, these spices were mainly obtained through long-established land routes controlled by the Ottoman Empire and other Eastern powers. This controlled supply limited the access and increased the prices.
European countries, particularly Portugal and later Spain, sought alternative sea routes to bypass the Ottoman-controlled spice trade and establish direct trade with Asia. There was a growing belief that if a direct sea route to Asia could be found, it would enable European nations to obtain spices more easily and at lower prices. This would create economic advantages, including increased wealth and power for those nations controlling the trade.
Explorers such as Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and numerous others undertook dangerous and arduous voyages across uncharted seas in search of these new routes to Asia. Their voyages ultimately led to the discovery of new lands, including the Americas, which were previously unknown to Europeans. This, in turn, initiated further exploration, colonization, and trade.
In summary, the increased European sailing voyages during the Age of Discovery were primarily driven by the desire to find new sea routes to the spice markets of Asia, with the aim of bypassing the Ottoman-controlled land trade and achieving direct access to valuable spices.