19. Why did explorers like Columbus and da Gama make the journeys that they did?
Explorers like Columbus and da Gama made their journeys for various reasons, but these motivations generally revolved around three main factors:
1. Trade and Riches: One of the primary motivations behind these journeys was to establish new trade routes and gain access to valuable resources. Explorers sought to bypass the monopoly held by Arab and Italian merchants in the spice trade and establish direct trade with the East Indies (present-day Southeast Asia) and India. These regions were known for their abundance of spices, precious metals, and other luxury goods that had high demand in Europe.
2. Expansion of Empires: Many explorers were sponsored by monarchies or powerful empires seeking to expand their territorial influence and establish colonies. European powers like Spain, Portugal, England, and France were in a race to claim new lands, extract resources, and establish lucrative colonies to augment their wealth and power.
3. Scientific and Geographical Curiosity: Alongside economic and imperial ambitions, curiosity-driven exploration played a significant role. Many explorers were driven by a sense of scientific curiosity and a desire to expand knowledge about the world. These journeys aimed to discover new lands, chart unexplored territories, accurately map coastlines, and gain a better understanding of the Earth's geography. Additionally, explorers aimed to study and document new cultures, flora, and fauna encountered during their expeditions.
Overall, the motivations of explorers like Columbus and da Gama were a complex interplay of economic, imperialistic, and scientific factors, driven by a desire for wealth, power, knowledge, and the allure of adventure.