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15th And 16th Century European Exploration

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During the 15th and 16th centuries, Maritime trade transformed global networks of trade and power. Thanks to the efforts of Portugal and Spain, Europe had several advantages during this time of exploration which would greatly impact their sphere of influence in regards to trade and territory. These advantages Spain’s military might, knowledge of the current navigational routes, as well as their advances in technology.

Spain was motivated to explore during the Maritime trade period for several reasons. Like Portugal, they also wished to find a route to East Asia by sea. This would allow them to circumvent the land trade routes which were controlled by the Muslims. Ferdinand and Isabella wanted to increase their territory, as well as spread the religious beliefs of Catholicism. These goals were made possible by the Conquistadors. “By 1492, when they expelled the Muslims from Granada in …show more content…
Portugal in particular, was very knowledgeable about the best routes and locations in regards to trade. “They carefully selected important strategic locations that would help them dominate Indian Ocean trade, occupying those locations through a combination of diplomacy and intimidation” (Judge, Edward H., and John W. Langdon. Connections: A World History. Third ed. Vol. 2. Pearson. 377). Europe had some very beneficial technological advantages during this time as well. “They used technologies adopted from other civilizations, such as gunpowder weapons, and navigational tools from Asia” (Judge, Edward H., and John W. Langdon. Connections: A World History. Third ed. Vol. 2. Pearson. 371). The Portuguese developed a ship called a caravel, which was different from other ships used during this period of time. Caravel’s were three-masted ships, which allowed them to sail greater distances much faster in comparison to single-masted

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