1. What allowed / caused Europeans to
begin their exploration, expand their
trade involvement, and their conquest?
CAUSES of EUROPEAN
MARITIME VOYAGES

2. CAUSES of EUROPEAN
MARITIME VOYAGES
Improvements in technology
• Better ship design (caravel)

4. • The Gunpowder
revolution
• Navigation –
compass, sextant, ast
rolabe, maps.

5. Training and Experience
• Portuguese Seafaring Schools
• Experience in wars with Muslims

6. DESIRE FOR PROFIT
• FIND & Control trade routes to Asia
• Find GOLD & SILVER (for wealth in
Europe and to trade in Asia)

8. Religious Reasons. . .The desire to:
• spread Christian religion and political
control
• Defeat Islamic forces