Relations between the Ottoman Empire and western Europe had always been somewhat rocky. Show
Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries the Turks had gradually conquered much of Eastern Europe, taking Constantinople in 1453 and putting an end to the Eastern Roman Empire (known to us today as the Byzantine Empire). By the end of the 15th Century the Ottomans ruled most of Eastern Europe, including Hungary, Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Balkan countries. Their seemingly unstoppable expansion was finally checked by their failure to take Vienna in 1529 and their defeat at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. During all this time the nations of western Europe had been trading for silks, spices, and other goods from China, India, and east Asia via the Silk Road, an overland route that now had to pass through Ottoman territory. Considering the Turks were not very friendly, this was a problem. Consequently, beginning in the late 1300's the western nations constantly sought to find a way to get to India and east Asia by water, thereby bypassing and not having to deal with the Ottomans.  Engraving by Jacques de Gheyn The fifteenth century was an exciting time in Europe. People became more interested in the world around them. The invention of movable type helped spread information and new ideas. Artists and writers flourished. At the same time, nations saw trade as a way of increasing their wealth. Merchants dreamed of new sources for goods such as gold and spices. For centuries, Arab traders had controlled existing trade routes to Africa and Asia, which meant European merchants were forced to buy from Italian traders at high prices. They wanted to trade directly with Africa and Asia, but this meant that they had to find a new sea route. The stakes were high. Whoever succeeded in establishing trade relationships would in all likelihood become rich and achieve great famefor himself and for his country. However, exploration of this nature was very dangerous business. Superstitions persisted about what lay beyond Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, as no European had even seen the west coast of Africa beyond the Sahara. There were no maps or charts and very little knowledge of winds or currents. Since the Portuguese were at peace and not locked in war the way France and England were, they became the first to accept the challenge of sailing uncharted waters, thanks to Prince Henry, who became known as Prince Henry the Navigator. Though Prince Henry did not sail himself, he made it possible for others to do so. He set up a center for exploration where interested people could share their knowledge of geography. Here they learned all they could about maps and navigation, including the use of the magnetic compass and the astrolabe. Portuguese shipbuilders developed a new kind of ship called a caravel, which could sail into the wind as well as with the wind. Armed with this knowledge, Portugal led the way. During the 1440s, brave sailors set sail and explored the African coast farther than ever before. In 1488 Bartholomeu Dias managed to sail around the southern tip of Africa, only to turn back because the crew was afraid to continue. Ten years later, Vasco da Gama completed the voyage around Africa and on to India. These accomplishments paved the way for others to explore and reach the riches of Asia. Even more important, Prince Henry’s sailors overcame the fear of the unknown and led the way for others to turn westward to the Atlantic and the Americas, where eventually the small settlement of Jamestown would be born.
See also what was the geography of the new england colonies What did Christopher Columbus bring back to Europe?Columbus brought back small amounts of gold as well as native birds and plants to show the richness of the continent he believed to be Asia. What were the 4 voyages of Christopher Columbus?The explorer Christopher Columbus made four trips across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain: in 1492 1493 1498 and 1502. He was determined to find a direct water route west from Europe to Asia but he never did. Instead he stumbled upon the Americas. Why is it important to find a new route Asia?Europeans were interested in finding a new route to Asia. The Europeans had a great deal of interest in trading with countries in Asia. There were many products that the Asians had that were in demand in Europe especially spices. … Christopher Columbus also wanted to find a new route to Asia. What were the reasons that Europeans were interested in a new route to Asia?Europeans started exploring because they wanted spices wealth gold expand trade routes and change of religion. These men were willing to risk there lives in order to get spices and gain wealth. The main reason that they went out to explore was for spices because they were so valuable. What was one important effect of the search for trade routes?The opening of more trade routes caused travelers to exchange many things: animals spices ideas and diseases. How did goods get from Asia to Europe?In the late medieval period merchants transported Asian spices and luxury goods along lengthy land and sea routes to the Levant. From here European traders carried the goods to Mediterranean ports. … The supply of Asian goods was no longer reliable and those that did reach Europe were extremely expensive. How were products moved from Asia to Europe?These goods were transported over vast distances— either by pack animals overland or by seagoing ships—along the Silk and Spice Routes which were the main arteries of contact between the various ancient empires of the Old World. Why was trade with India and East Asia so important to the European nations?The East India companies of Europe came seeking the exotic products of Asia: silks cottons and precious commodities such as spices and aromatic products. These products required the skilled labour of weavers and farmers or soil and climatic conditions unique to the region. How did Portugal benefit from finding a sea route?How did Portugal benefit from finding a sea route around Africa to India? It was the basis for building a large trading empire. … They established forts and trading posts on the coast and seized key ports around the Indian Ocean. What was a result of Europe’s search for an all water trade route to Asia?Wanted to find new territories find a quick trade route to Asia and expand Portugal’s power. First explorer to find a direct route all-water trade route to Asia by going around Africa to get to India. … First explorer the be in contact with Australia New Zealand and Hawaii. Why was Portugal successful in Asia?The Portuguese triumphed in the 16th century in Asia because of their superior naval and military technology combined with seemingly boundless aggression and a propensity for cruelty and violence. Without a doubt the Indian Ocean was not exactly a peaceful region prior to the arrival of the Portuguese. How did the Columbian Exchange affect Asia?The flow from east to west: Disease See also when do birds migrate back north By far the most dramatic and devastating impact of the Columbian Exchange followed the introduction of new diseases into the Americas. … Meanwhile in Asia and Africa the domestication of herd animals brought new diseases spread by cattle sheep pigs and fowl. How were the European and Native American populations changing?As the English French and Spanish explorers came to North America they brought tremendous changes to American Indian tribes. … Diseases such as smallpox influenza measles and even chicken pox proved deadly to American Indians. Europeans were used to these diseases but Indian people had no resistance to them. How did the Columbian Exchange affect interaction between Europe and natives?The Columbian Exchange affected the interactions between Europeans and Natives by forcing labor and spreading disease to the Native Americans. The Europeans’ trade markets grew and expanded overseas. Both gained crops as well. … The Europeans forced the Natives and Africans in to labor systems. What are 2 best reasons explain why European rulers encouraged ocean exploration?Which of the following best explains why European rulers encouraged ocean exploration? They wanted to find new trade routes. They wanted to spread Christianity. What were the main goals of European exploration?Historians generally recognize three motives for European exploration and colonization in the New World: God gold and glory. What was a result of the Explorers Voyages illustrated on this map?(2) European trade with Africa and South America increased. What was a result of the explorers’ voyages illustrated on this map? (1) Europe became increasingly isolated. (2) European trade with Africa and South America increased. Why did Europeans travel across the Mediterranean Sea to reach the Silk Road?Why did Europeans travel across the Mediterranean Sea to reach the Silk Road? settling competition over colonized territories. south of Chile and Argentina. What was one difference between Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias? ASEAN explained in 5 minutesHistory of the Major Trade Routesលម្អងផ្កា គ [ភាគ ០៥] | សៀវភៅចាស់អគារខុនដូកំពស់កប់ពពកថ្មីមួយនឹងលេចរូបរាងនៅតំបន់ទួលទំពូងWhy was it important to find a sea route to Asia from Europe?European rulers from the countries of Portugal, Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands wanted to increase their power by trading silks and spices found in Asia. To achieve their goal, they needed to find a sea route to Asia !!
Why was the discovery of a sea route so important for Europeans?The Renaissance age paved way for people to question if the earth was flat and hence voyages were taken to check this. These voyages also led to the demand of Asian goods which were brought back to Europe. And since the land route was blocked by the Ottoman Turks, discovering sea routes became important.
Why was it important for Europeans to travel through Indian Ocean?Portugal's purpose in the Indian Ocean was to ensure the monopoly of the spice trade. Taking advantage of the rivalries that pitted Hindus against Muslims, the Portuguese established several forts and trading posts between 1500 and 1510.
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