Why did explorers want to get to the Indies?
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Europeans wanted to find sea routes to the Far East. Columbus wanted to find a new route to India, China, Japan and the Spice Islands. If he could reach these lands, he would be able to bring back rich cargoes of silks and spices.
What was the main reason explorers wanted to reach the New World?
They wanted to spread Christianity. They also hoped to gain new lands and wealth for their countries. Finally, you read about the valuable cargo of New World plants that explorers brought back to Europe.
Why did explorers want to find a way across the North American continent?
The Desire for New Trade Routes European explorers found the New World by mistake; they were not looking to find new continents but new sea routes. Europeans mainly wanted to find better trade routes to China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Why did explorers go to Asia?
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.
Why did the English explore North America?
◦ England wanted to start an American colony to increase their wealth and power so that they could compete with other European countries like Spain and France. ◦ They were hoping to be able to find silver and gold in America.
Why did European explorers come to New York?
There were many reasons why European colonists chose to settle in New Netherland. Many fled political and religious persecution. Others hoped to improve their condition by owning their own land or by participating in the fur trade. Some settlers worked for other colonists as contract laborers or indentured servants.
Why did Europeans of the 1400s want to send explorers to East Asia?
European monarchs and merchants wanted to break the hold that Muslims and Italians had on trade. One way to do so was to find a sea route to Asia. Portuguese sailors looked for a route that went around Africa. Christopher Columbus tried to reach Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic.
Why did Europeans want desire a new trade route to Asia?
Why did the Europeans need to seek new trade routes? Merchants knew they could make big profits selling Asian goods such as spices and silks. European rulers wanted to find safer, faster trade routes to Asia so their countries could become rich and powerful.
What were the 5 main reasons for European exploration?
The motives that spur human beings to examine their environment are many. Strong among them are the satisfaction of curiosity, the pursuit of trade, the spread of religion, and the desire for security and political power. At different times and in different places, different motives are dominant.
Why did European explorers explore the world?
One reason that they claimed the land was to gain riches from it. A third reason for exploration was to spread the message of Christianity. Some explorers believed that their journeys were the will of God. They believed it to be their duty to convert the native people to Christianity.
Why did Spanish conquistadors explore?
Cortés and de Soto were two famous Spanish conquistadors who claimed land for their country. One reason that they claimed the land was to gain riches from it. A third reason for exploration was to spread the message of Christianity. Some explorers believed that their journeys were the will of God.
Why did Christopher Columbus explore the world?
Christopher Columbus was one of the explorers whose goal it was to find a sea route to Asia. Another reason for exploring and making the voyage across the ocean was to conquer and claim land.
What tools did European explorers use to figure out direction?
European explorers used another tool for figuring out direction—a compass. The compass (left) and the astrolabe (right) were used in the 1500s. These tools helped explorers sail across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World.