1. Reasons for European Exploration
Unit 3

2. 1. Find Trade Routes to the East
During the Crusades, Europeans came into contact with Eastern goods – spices, silks, tea
Getting these goods by land became too expensive because these routes were controlled by the Italian merchants and the Turks
First Europeans to look for a sea route to the East were the Portuguese – they claimed the water routes around Africa
Spain decided to sail west to see if they could reach the East that way – they discovered 2 new continents – North and South America

3. 2. Find Wealth
The Europeans first idea was to gain wealth by finding gold in the “New World”
They then learned they could become wealthy from the land by growing cash crops such as sugar, tobacco, rice, indigo; trading furs; cutting timber; fishing

4. 3. Seek Adventure
The Renaissance had sparked an interest in adventure for many Europeans
With the inventions of the compass, caravel and astrolabe, Europeans could satisfy their curiosity and explore the unknown world

5. 4. Convert the Natives to Christianity
Europeans viewed themselves as superior
They believed it was their duty to convert all non-Christians to Christianity