The Motives for Exploration and Discovery

The Motives for Exploration and Discovery

Reasons for Exploration and Discovery

  • The late 15th and early 16th centuries marked an intense period of European exploration and discovery, driven by a myriad of factors.

  • The primary motive was the pursuit of trade, especially with India and China, which were sources of valuable commodities like spices, silk, and precious metals. The traditional land routes were dangerous and expensive, increasing the appeal of a potential sea route.

  • The commercial competition between emerging nation-states of Europe, such as Spain and Portugal, fuelled desires to gain access to these Asian markets and establish trade monopolies.

  • Another objective was to increase geographical and scientific knowledge. The urge to understand more about the world’s geography, climate, and culture led to various voyages.

Influence of Religion on Exploration

  • The Catholic Church’s urge to spread Christianity also played a vital role. European monarchs and explorers saw it as a divine duty to convert the ‘non-believers’ to Christianity.

  • The recent fall of Constantinople (1453) to the Ottoman Turks and the subsequent closing of traditional trading routes stirred a religious motive to challenge the expanding Islamic empire and reclaim Jerusalem.

Techonological Developments Enabling Exploration

  • In this period, there were significant maritime and navigational advancements which enabled longer sea journeys. This included improvements to ships like the caravel, and tools like the astrolabe and magnetic compass.

  • Advancements in map-making or cartography provided more accurate representations of territories and maritime routes, indirectly spurring exploration.

Social and Political Factors

  • The emerging sense of nationalism and competition among European powers led to state sponsorship of medical voyages - rulers sought to enhance their prestige and power through new discoveries.

  • There was also a degree of personal ambition from explorers, driven by the allure of fame, adventure, and the potential for wealth through the discovery of precious metals and other trade commodities.

Each of these motivations intersected and influenced one another in complex ways, driving the era of European exploration and discovery from 1482-1610. Understanding these reasons will provide substantial context to specific expeditions and their impacts.