Why were explorers looking for a way by water to Asia?

Why were explorers looking for a way by water to Asia?

Why were explorers looking for a way by water to Asia? They wanted to trade directly with Africa and Asia, but this meant that they had to find a new sea route. The stakes were high.

What is the main reason explorers were trying to find routes to Asia?

Motives for Exploration For early explorers, one of the main motives for exploration was the desire to find new trade routes to Asia. By the 1400s, merchants and crusaders had brought many goods to Europe from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Demand for these goods increased the desire for trade.

Why did Columbus want a sea route to Asia?

What did Columbus aim to do? In the 15th and 16th centuries, Europeans wanted to find sea routes to the Far East. Columbus wanted to find a new route to India, China, Japan and the Spice Islands. If he could reach these lands, he would be able to bring back rich cargoes of silks and spices.

What instrument helped explorers?

During the Age of Discovery methods of navigation developed quickly because of the need of European explorers venturing to the New World discovered by Columbus in 1492. The instruments navigators used varied and included the quadrant, astrolabe, cross staff, hourglass, compass, map or nautical chart, and other devices.

What did Columbus promise to do if he found a new route to Asia?

Columbus’ contract with the Spanish rulers promised that he could keep 10 percent of whatever riches he found, along with a noble title and the governorship of any lands he should encounter.

What were the first explorers to North America looking for?

European exploration of western Canada was largely motivated by the fur trade and the search for the elusive Northwest Passage. Hudson’s Bay Company explorer Henry Kelsey has the distinction of being the first European to see the northern Great Plains in 1690.

What were the three reasons for exploration?

There are three main reasons for European Exploration. Them being for the sake of their economy, religion and glory. They wanted to improve their economy for instance by acquiring more spices, gold, and better and faster trading routes.

How did Columbus plan to sail to Asia?

The explorer Christopher Columbus made four trips across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain: in 1492, 1493, 1498 and 1502. He was determined to find a direct water route west from Europe to Asia, but he never did. Instead, he stumbled upon the Americas.