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Firstly, the Portuguese had recently designed the caravel; a small, maneuverable ship developed in the 1400s to explore West Africa. It used lateen sails, which allowed those who sailed to catch the wind when necessary, as well as effectively sail against the wind. Developments in cartography allowed for more accurate navigation. They also had the astrolabe, which was originally critical for navigating. For the first time, thanks to Prince Henry "the Navigator", they did not have to sail in close proximity to the shoreline; they could venture out without too much concern of navigation. They were also funded by the Prince, who encouraged exploration and colonization.
At first, they were attempting to find a route to East Asia, because spices were highly coveted. (Think about it--spicy foods boost your metabolism, make everything taste better, and were only available on one continent.) They had no idea how far down Africa stretched. Eventually Vasco de Gama reached India.
The Spanish had the same idea; they desired spices, gold, silver, and other precious metals that were believed to only be found in Asia.
Additionally, the desire to claim further land and spread Christianity were prominent during the Age of Discovery.
Famously, Christopher Columbus's voyage hit a wind that took him to not round the Cape of Good Hope as intended, but instead to the Latin American coast and to Florida. This sparked new voyages to colonize land.
Specific to the English: after failing to find a quick route to Asia, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada (which took place after years of Spanish expeditions to colonize South America, Latin America, and unsuccessfully, Western present-day America) opened up the opportunity to colonize overseas and encroach on Spain's formerly claimed territories.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThe Europeans began to explore the world not only to find the lands of gold there had been so much talk about but for many other reasons too. They wanted to find faster and easier trade routes along with new items to trade.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoWiki User
∙ 9y agoThe Europeans began to expand overseas for exploitation. They wanted raw materials for their home industries. They also wanted to conquer the land beyond.
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Which body of water were europeans most likely to explore last?
The Atlantic Ocean was the body of water Europeans were most likely to explore last. They were unsure of what lands, if any, lay to the west.
Why did Europeans explore different territories?
The Europeans wanted to spread Christianity, increase their wealth through mercantilism, and enrich their treasures. They also wanted more land.
Why did europeans explore the Americas and what did they find?
Well Gisèle Anne Gréaux wanted to explore North Americansand and she found Joseph.
Why did the Europeans explore?
For the most part, Europeans began exploring because of the necessity of trade. A rise of the middle class on that continent made certain hard to get items rise in demand.
Why did Europeans begin exploring?
during the 16th century, Europe was looking for a trade roe to India..... also over crowded and too many blacks
What ideas and encouraged Europeans to begin overseas exploration?
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Why did the europeAns begin to explore overseas and what technological changes madE it possible?
the ships and the nevigational instrument astrolabe it uses the postion of the sun to determine direction latitude and local time
What ideas and inventions encouraged Europeans to begin overseas exploration?
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Why did Europeans begin expanding overseas?
The Europeans began to expand overseas for exploitation. They wanted raw materials for their home industries. They also wanted to conquer the land beyond.
What technology made it possible for Europeans to begin exploring overseas?
The ship, sail and compass
Why did the europeans begin to explore the western hemisphere?
Organization, Europeans needed to find places to live beside Europe.
Why did Europeans begin to explore new sea routes to Asia?
To find a route to Asia.
Why did Europeans want to explore the world in the 15th and 16th centuries?
They wanted to find wealth and in order to do that they had to look overseas for it and into other countries and even continents
Why did Europeans begin to explore the Americas?
The discovery of America led to a demand of new kind of political and economic organization. Europeans were forced to explore and settle in new lands due to the, economical, political and religious turmoil that was occurring in the 16th and 17th century.
Who were the first Europeans to explore the Americans?
Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to explore North America.
Who were the first europeans to explore the southwestern part of US?
Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to explore the Southwest.
Who were the first europeans to explore the north continent?
Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to explore North America.
