why were the Spanish and Portuguese so interested in finding new ways to get to Asia?(5 points) Responses They wanted to have more control over trade by avoiding the use of middlemen. They wanted to have more control over trade by avoiding the use of middlemen. 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. Europeans could not trade over land or the Mediterranean Sea.
1. Economic control: The Spanish and Portuguese sought to have more control over trade by eliminating or bypassing middlemen. By establishing direct trade routes to Asia, they aimed to maximize their profits and gain a competitive edge in the lucrative spice trade.
2. Technological advancements: The exploration and discovery of new sailing technologies, such as improved ship designs, navigational instruments, and mapping techniques, motivated the Spanish and Portuguese to embark on voyages of exploration. These advancements made long-distance sea travel more feasible and increased their chances of successfully reaching Asia.
3. Access to new resources: Asia was known for its abundant and valuable resources, such as spices, silk, precious metals, and gems. By finding new ways to reach Asia, the Spanish and Portuguese hoped to directly access these resources and eliminate the reliance on intermediaries, which would further enhance their control over trade.
4. Competition with other European powers: The Spanish and Portuguese were not the only European nations seeking to establish direct trade routes to Asia. Fierce competition with other powers, such as England, France, and the Dutch, pushed them to explore new routes in order to secure their own interests and maintain their dominance in the global trade network.
5. Geographical limitations: Europe's geographical position made trade over land or the Mediterranean Sea to Asia relatively difficult and expensive. Rivalries with Ottoman Empire-controlled trade routes, known as the Silk Road, and restrictions imposed by the Italian city-states also motivated the Spanish and Portuguese to find alternative sea routes to Asia.