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European Exploration Essay

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What is now called the European Exploration is a period in the sixteenth and seventeenth century when explores went out to search for new land and trading routes. Factors such as economic, political, and cultural were the causes of the exploration. Before exploration in Europe, they experienced the Black Death. The Black Death was a bubonic plague cause by the spread of bacteria. The plague killed up to 30 to 60 percent of Europe’s population. After the Black Death Europe experienced a renewal of population and economic activity. The demand for luxuries, most importantly Spices, from the East came known. Spices were not only used as flavorings for food but they were also used in anointing oil and as incense for religious rituals. Lastly, …show more content…

In 718 to 1492 there was a battle between the Christian Kingdoms and the Muslim Moors for control of the Iberian Peninsula. The Christian Reconquista brought passion and energy to Europe and encouraged them to continue the Christian crusade. Oversees exploration was the main way to reach the non-Christian territories. In addition, eagerness for exploration was increased by a lack of opportunity at home. Due to the Reconquista, many Spanish men of the upper classes found their opportunities greatly limited. The men looked to the sea for advanced fortunes. None of these voyages would be able to be taken place if not for the government, who funded all of them. The Spanish monarchy was stronger than previously so it was in a place to be able to support foreign endeavors. Monarchies had many motivations to expand one of them including, being able to profit from trade. Also monarchies had the desire to please God, which would be fulfilled by exploring new lands and converting them to Christianity. Finally, the competition between the monarchies and Protestant and Catholic states was an important factor in the steady stream of expedition. The European age of Exploration made a big impact to Europe, from gaining new land and becoming a part of a trade network. To explain his motives, a Portuguese explorer once said “to serve God and His Majesty, to give light to those who were in darkness and to grow rich as all men desire to

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