* Search for wealth: The Europeans were eager to find new sources of wealth, such as gold, silver, and spices. They believed that the East Indies, which were rumored to be rich in these resources, could be reached by sailing west.
* New markets: The Europeans also wanted to find new markets for their goods. They were eager to establish trade with Asia, which was believed to be a vast and wealthy continent.
* Economic competition: The Europeans were engaged in intense economic competition with each other. They were eager to find new sources of wealth and new markets in order to gain an advantage over their rivals.
Political Reasons
* National glory: The European monarchs were eager to expand their empires and gain prestige and glory. They believed that exploring and claiming new lands would enhance their power and status in the world.
* Religious zeal: Many Europeans were motivated by religious zeal to explore and convert the natives of the Americas and Asia to Christianity.
Technological Advances
* The compass: The development of the compass in the 12th century made it possible for Europeans to navigate more accurately at sea. This made it possible for them to undertake longer and more ambitious voyages.
* The astrolabe: The astrolabe, a device for measuring the position of the sun and stars, was also developed in the 12th century. This allowed Europeans to determine their latitude and longitude at sea, which was essential for long-distance navigation.
* The caravel: The caravel, a type of ship that was well-suited for long-distance voyages, was developed in the 15th century. The caravel was fast, maneuverable, and could withstand rough seas.