1. European Expansion

2. Limited trade before exploration
Iberian Kingdoms
Limited trade before exploration

3. Motives for Exploration
The Iberian kingdoms sponsored voyages for the following reasons:
Leaders
The city states of Italy had no incentive to explore Atlantic trade routes because they had a monopoly on access to Asian goods.
revival trade
Spread Christianity
struggle with Islam
The Iberian kingdoms had a history of warfare with the Muslims, but they had no share of Mediterranean Sea trade.
curiosity
They had advanced shipbuilding and cannon technology and were open to new geographical knowledge and had exceptional leaders.
alliances between rulers and merchants

4. Portuguese technology: CARAVEL is a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship