2. New Route to Asia Trade with Asia was expensive because of middlemen
Europeans needed a faster route to save time and money

3. Remember the 3 G’s (or what motivated exploration)
God: Spread of Christianity
Gold: Wealth; making money
Glory: Expand empire; imperialism

4. Technological Advances Political Changes Social Changes
By the late 1400s changes in technology, politics, society and economy sparked an interest in foreign lands and exploration. Factors that Sparked Exploration
Technological Advances
Political Changes
Social Changes
Economic Changes

5. Technological Advances
Mapmaking -- called cartography
Compass -- invented by the Chinese, used a magnet
Astrolabe -- Used rings to sight the stars; this would tell them how north or south of the equator (Muslims)

6. New Ships called caravels -- had triangular sails which allowed it to sail or ‘tack’ against the wind

7. Political Changes
Strong centralized governments -- kings and queens wanted to gain power and more land for their countries

8. Social Changes Increased population
more people interested in adventure,
more money available to spend on excursions

9. Political Persecution -- certain religious groups targeted
Spread of Christianity

10. Economic Changes
Mercantilism -- idea that a country’s power is dependent upon its wealth (gold and silver)

11. Joint-stock companies --
Businesses would combine resources and sell shares of the company’s stock to investors
The profits were then divided among the shareholders based on how much stock was originally purchased
Ex. Dutch East India
Company