Reason for ExplorationReason for Exploration

Reasons for ExplorationReasons for ExplorationImagine:There is inhabitable life on Mars and the technology exists

get you there. You are seriously contemplating an expedition to this un-charted planet. The risks are great but the pay-offs could be extraordinary!

THINK:1. Why would you consider going?2. What could you find once you get there?3. What could do with your life once there?4. What could you bring with you? (remember, you can

bring “things” that are real things (i.e. abstract items))5. What might motivate your COMPETITORS to go there?

What about competing NATIONS?

Reasons for ExplorationReasons for Exploration

Geographic Reasons• The Ottoman Empire had blocked the

overland (by land) route to Asia meaning…

• In order to get to Asia for their precious spices, porcelain, etc., Europeans must contend with the assertive Ottomans

• Europeans started looking for other ways (by sea??) to get to India and Asia

Reasons for ExplorationReasons for Exploration

Political Reasons:

• Kings and monarchs in Europe wanted more power– Wealth = power– Land = power

Reasons for ExplorationReasons for Exploration

Commercial Reasons

• Merchants wanted to get rich– In return, they paid to equip the voyages and

make money off the “fruits” of the voyage– They could sell spices, silk, or gold for very

high prices if the ships returned safely from the voyage

Reasons for ExplorationReasons for Exploration

Technological Reasons• Better technology facilitated (allowed for) the

voyages to take place in the first place– Caravels– Improved maps– Navigational tools

• Astrolabe– Originally from the Islamic world

• Magnetic compass– Came earlier to Europe from China over the

_____________ _______________?

Reasons for ExplorationReasons for ExplorationReligious Reasons:• Church leaders want to spread their

religion to “new” lands• They sought to convert people of “new”

lands to Christianity • Remember our last unit?

– After the Reformation, more competition to convert people to Catholicism v. Protestantism

REMEMBER!REMEMBER! The Three G’s The Three G’s• GodGod- Convert the native people to

Christianity – Political, social, or economic reason?

• GoldGold-Wealth of all kind– Political, social, or economic reason?

• GloryGlory-More land meant glory for their kingdoms– Political, social or economic reason?