Causes of the Voyages of Discovery a Political

Causes of the Voyages of Discovery (a) Political aspect: to search for new land wealth (b) Economic aspect: to find new trade routes to the East (c) Religious aspect: to spread Christianity (d) Cultural aspect: influence of the Renaissance (e) Technological aspect: improvements in shipbuilding and navigation

Voyages of Discovery n The Voyages of Discovery refer to the naval explorations made by Europeans in the 15 th and 16 th centuries. Age of Exploration (English narration) n During these years, European navigators sailed to distant unknown places many times. n They opened up new sea routes to the East, discovered many previously unknown lands and proved that the Earth was round.

Voyages of Discovery (a) Political aspect: to search for new land wealth n At the start of the 15 th century, strong kings arose in Europe. n They wanted to find new lands and valuable things such as gold and other precious metals. (b) Economic aspect: to find new sea trade routes to the East n During late Medieval Times, goods from Asia such as silk, porcelain, tea and spices were in great demand in Europe.

n Sea trade routes: Italians merchants monopolized trade in the Mediterranean region. n Land trade routes: From the 14 th century, the Ottoman Turks and Arab Muslims controlled the land trade routes between Europe and Asia. They levied very high trade taxes.

Voyages of Discovery X Start Y Europe, Asia and Africa in 1480

(c) Religious aspect: to spread Christianity n During Medieval Times, Christianity had been spread throughout Europe. n The Church therefore wanted to spread Christianity worldwide. n It supported naval explorations and often sent missionaries to join these explorations.

Voyages of Discovery (d) Cultural aspect: influence of the Renaissance n In the 14 th century, the Renaissance started in Europe. n It led to the rise of humanism. Influenced by humanism, Europeans wanted to extend their capacity and know more about unknown places and unknown people. n Some also wanted to verify some new ideas, e. g. if the Earth was round. n These also encouraged the Europeans to start the Voyages of Discovery.

(e) Technological aspect: improvements in shipbuilding and navigation n Before the Voyages of Discovery, Europeans learnt how to build larger seafaring ships. n They also learnt from the Arabs how to use the astrolabe and compass and draw more accurate maps. n The improvements in shipbuilding and navigation allowed navigators to make safer journeys and travel greater distances.

Voyages of Discovery