After remaining in
slumber for thousands of years, Europe suddenly woke up in late 15th
century to explore the world. Christopher Columbus set sail towards
West in the hope of finding a route to Asia in 1492. Vasco Da Gama went
around Cape of Good Hope (Africa) to reach India in 1498. Within few
centuries, most of the world was discovered, including a major land
portion Americas (28% of world’s land mass) hitherto unknown to the
civilized world. Magellan’s expedition circumnavigated the world in
1522. Captain Cook discovered most of Pacific including Australia in
1770.
Prior to these explorations, Atlantic sea was unknown and unchartered (except some voyages taken up by Vikings in distant past). The sea was feared and nobody dared to venture. It was believed that many monsters reigned in these deep waters. Also, there was need for taking up such a venture.
Europe was heavily dependent on spices from India and East Indies, for preserving their meat and for bettering its taste. The route for spices was by land through Constantinople. In 1453, Ottomans conquered Constantinople, disturbing the trade routes. This and few other events caused Europeans to venture out and seek sea routes to India. Thus the taste for spices might have triggered the discovery of Americas and colonization of India.
Prior to these explorations, Atlantic sea was unknown and unchartered (except some voyages taken up by Vikings in distant past). The sea was feared and nobody dared to venture. It was believed that many monsters reigned in these deep waters. Also, there was need for taking up such a venture.
Europe was heavily dependent on spices from India and East Indies, for preserving their meat and for bettering its taste. The route for spices was by land through Constantinople. In 1453, Ottomans conquered Constantinople, disturbing the trade routes. This and few other events caused Europeans to venture out and seek sea routes to India. Thus the taste for spices might have triggered the discovery of Americas and colonization of India.
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