AIM: Why did Europeans look to explore the world?

How did each of the following developments affect European exploration?

1. The Crusades2. Invention of the Printing Press3. European Monarchs try to increase their

power and wealth.4. Portuguese open up sea routes to the

spice trade in Asia.

The CrusadesFrom about 1100-1300, Christians and Muslims fought a series of

holy wars for control of the Holy Land. Large numbers of Europeans traveled to the Middle East.Increase in trade with Arabs led to increased knowledge.Europeans learned about new instruments like the Magnetic

Compass that made it easier to sail across large bodies of water.

Invention of the Printing PressWith the Printing Press, large numbers of books could be

printed at low cost.Books became more available, more people began to

read.People learned more about the world around them.

European monarchs try to increase power and wealth

Rulers of England, France, Portugal, and Spain looked for ways to increase their wealth.

Wanted to trade with Asia, but Arab and Italian merchants controlled trade routes across the Mediterranean Sea.

So they looked for a different route to Asia.

Portuguese open up sea routes to the spice trade in Asia

Spanish compete with PortugueseThey send Columbus across the Atlantic to find a new

route to AsiaHe reaches America