Question

What was an economic cause of the era of European exploration and colonization of the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries? A. desire to promote capitalism B. wish for greater share of Asian trade C. desire to profit from the slave trade D. monarchs’ and individuals’ desire for power

Short answer

B. Wish for greater share of Asian trade

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question asks for an economic cause of the era of European exploration and colonization from the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries. Focus on identifying the primary economic motivations during this period.

Analyze Each Option

Consider each option given:- Option A: Desire to promote capitalism- Option B: Wish for greater share of Asian trade- Option C: Desire to profit from the slave trade- Option D: Monarchs’ and individuals’ desire for powerIdentify which of these options align predominantly with economic motives.

Evaluate Historical Context

During the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries, European nations were actively seeking new trade routes and resources. The traditional trade routes to Asia were expensive and controlled by competing powers. This led to the pursuit of direct sea routes to Asia.

Choose the Correct Option

Given the historical context, the primary economic cause for exploration was to find new trade routes and access valuable Asian markets. Thus, the correct option is B: Wish for greater share of Asian trade.

Key concepts

Trade routes to Asia

During the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries, European nations were desperate to find alternative trade routes to Asia. The overland routes were controlled by Middle Eastern and Central Asian powers, making them costly and dangerous. This situation spurred the desire to discover new, more efficient sea routes. The demand for Asian luxury goods like spices, silk, and precious metals was immense. These goods were highly valued in Europe and could fetch enormous profits.
By finding a direct sea route, European traders hoped to bypass the middlemen and reduce costs, increasing their profit margins. This quest for trade routes was a primary driver of expeditions led by famous explorers like Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus.The promise of riches from the Asian markets was a powerful economic motivation that fueled European exploration efforts.

Colonization motivations

Economic interests played a significant role in motivating European colonization during the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries. While finding trade routes was a primary goal, colonization offered additional economic benefits. Establishing colonies allowed European powers to directly control resources and establish monopolies.
Colonies provided raw materials such as gold, silver, sugar, tobacco, and later, cotton, which were shipped back to Europe. These materials were vital for the growing industries of the time. Furthermore, colonies served as markets for European goods, expanding the influence and wealth of the colonizing countries.

- Colonies provided a source of wealth through resource extraction.
- They established economic foundations for industrial growth in Europe.
- Colonies expanded markets for European manufactured goods.
Overall, the economic motivations behind colonization were deeply intertwined with the goals of enhancing wealth and power for European nations.

Fifteenth to eighteenth centuries exploration

The period from the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries marked an era of extensive exploration by European powers. This era, often referred to as the Age of Discovery, saw numerous expeditions launched across the globe. Several factors fueled this wave of exploration.
Technological advancements in navigation, shipbuilding, and cartography made long sea voyages feasible. Nations like Spain and Portugal led the way, driven by the promise of economic gain and territorial expansion. These expeditions were not merely about finding new trade routes, but also about claiming new territories and establishing dominance over global trade networks. - Advancements in maritime technology enabled extensive exploration.
- Economic gains from new trade routes and colonies spurred more voyages.
- Territorial expansion helped secure economic and political power.The exploration during this period laid the foundation for the globalization of trade and the vast colonial empires that shaped the modern world.