Why were the Spanish eager to find a western water route to Asia?

A. They wanted to save money by traveling by sea instead of by land.

B. They wanted to gain profits from the slave trade on the way to Asia.

C. They wanted to reach Asia before the Portuguese.

D. They wanted to influence Portuguese exploration in Asia.

Question

History

Nolan Leach

25 January, 05:21

Why were the Spanish eager to find a western water route to Asia?

A. They wanted to save money by traveling by sea instead of by land.

B. They wanted to gain profits from the slave trade on the way to Asia.

C. They wanted to reach Asia before the Portuguese.

D. They wanted to influence Portuguese exploration in Asia.

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Ahmad Stanton · Answer 1

C. They wanted to reach Asia before the Portuguese.

Explanation:

During 1400's and 1500's, many European nations were in constant conflict with each other for increasing their power and wealth. Many land routes were in control by other countries, which blocked direct trade between European and Asian nations.

Spain's King Ferdinand and the Portuguese prince, Henry the Navigator financed explorers to find new trade routes hoping to find gold, silver, and other valuables and to spread Christianity to other cultures.

While some explorers sailed around Africa to Asia, the Spanish thought they could find a quicker route by sailing west and reached Caribbean islands and the continents of North America and South America when they were bound for Asia.

The Spanish, led by Columbus, settled in the islands of Cuba and began conquering South America, Competition for exploration led to a treaty between Spain and Portugal in 1494.