1. Why would you leave your home?
The explorers
Why would you leave your home?

2. Factors for European Expansion
Demand for Gold, spices and natural resources in Europe (loss of Constantinople)
Commercial Revolution – Expansion of trade and businesses in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Political and economic competition between European empires (Land grab as well)

3. Factors for European Expansion
Diffusion of Christianity – Reformation, Jesuits
Innovations of European and Islamic origins in the navigational arts – Map makers (Amerigo Vespucci)
- Astrolabe
- Better ships
- lateen sails

4. Factors of Expansion
Capitalism – Economic system based on private ownership and investment for profit.
Mercantilism – Countries become wealthy by:
Obtaining as much gold and silver as possible
Favorable balance of trade – the country sells (exports) more goods than it buys (imports).
Colonies are not meant to be self sufficient – they are a market for finished goods.