There are many reasons for that decision taken by the traders.
1. In general transporting will be cheap if you take the route via sea than the land. (Ref: An inquiry into the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith)
2. before European traders discovered the sea route to Asia, they use to take the land route, which passes via the Middle East. And when once the sea routes were discovered the costs of many imported goods fell to one third of its value.
So the European traders started to travel to Asia by the sea.
The European explorer whose vivid descriptions of the riches of China inspired traders to seek opportunities in Asia was Marco Polo. His travels, documented in "The Travels of Marco Polo," depicted the wealth, culture, and exotic goods of the East, particularly during his time at the court of Kublai Khan. His accounts fueled European interest in trade with Asia and contributed to the Age of Exploration.
The Dutch East India Company (VOC) was distinct from other European traders in Asia due to its unprecedented level of state support and its status as a sovereign entity. Established in 1602, it was granted a monopoly on Dutch trade in the East Indies and had the authority to make treaties, wage war, and govern territories. This allowed the VOC to establish a powerful and efficient trading network, often using military force to secure its interests, unlike other European traders who operated primarily as private enterprises. Additionally, the VOC's innovative financial structure, including the issuance of shares, enabled it to raise substantial capital for its expansive operations.
Asia
Europe sought various resources from Asia, including spices like pepper, cinnamon, and cloves, which were highly valued for their flavoring and preservative qualities. Additionally, luxury goods such as silk, porcelain, and precious stones attracted European traders. The demand for these items spurred exploration and trade routes, ultimately leading to significant interactions between the two regions.
Power and Money.
They traveled to Asia by sea so that they could trade. Asia had spices, tea, paper, silk, and more that the European traders wanted.
no
Arab traders first began to trade in south east Asia in 3000BC.
For its Spices
It was called The Silk Road.
Marco Polo
European traders arrived in Southwest Asia around the first century after the birth of Jesus Christ. The Crusades would later make it difficult to trade with the Arabs and Europeans began to look for routes other than land routes.
Because it made it easier for traders to travel and get good items into and out of Asia.
The European explorer whose vivid descriptions of the riches of China inspired traders to seek opportunities in Asia was Marco Polo. His travels, documented in "The Travels of Marco Polo," depicted the wealth, culture, and exotic goods of the East, particularly during his time at the court of Kublai Khan. His accounts fueled European interest in trade with Asia and contributed to the Age of Exploration.
a way to Asia without using the silk road previously used
a way to Asia without using the silk road previously used
European traders were interested in Southeast Asia primarily for its valuable spices, such as cloves, nutmeg, and pepper, which were in high demand in Europe for both culinary and preservation purposes. The region also offered lucrative trade routes and opportunities to establish colonies and trade monopolies. Additionally, Southeast Asia's strategic location facilitated access to the lucrative markets of China and India. The quest for wealth and resources drove European powers to explore and establish trade networks in the area.