Why were the Spanish and Portuguese so interested in finding new ways to get to Asia?(5 points) Responses Europeans could not trade over land or the Mediterranean Sea. Europeans could not trade over land or the Mediterranean Sea. They wanted to use new sailing technologies. They wanted to use new sailing technologies. They had never traveled to Asia before. They had never traveled to Asia before. They wanted to have more control over trade by avoiding the use of middlemen.
- Europeans could not trade over land or the Mediterranean Sea: The Ottoman Empire had control over the land routes to Asia, making it difficult for Europeans to access the profitable Asian markets. Additionally, the Mediterranean Sea was dominated by Italian city-states, limiting European trade options.
- They wanted to use new sailing technologies: The development of new sailing technologies, such as improved navigational tools, ships, and sails, presented an opportunity for Europeans to explore new routes and reach Asia more efficiently.
- They had never traveled to Asia before: Europeans were intrigued by the unknown and had a curiosity to explore new lands and trade routes. Discovering new territories and establishing trade networks with Asia could bring immense wealth and prestige.
- They wanted to have more control over trade by avoiding the use of middlemen: At the time, trade with Asia involved multiple intermediaries, increasing costs and reducing profits. Europeans sought direct trade routes with Asia to bypass these middlemen and establish direct links with Asian suppliers. This would give them more control over the trade and ultimately increase their profits.