Europeans wanted to control trade routes primarily to make money off of them. The desire for wealth was a significant driving force behind exploration and the quest for new trade routes. Control over trade routes allowed European powers to increase their access to valuable resources and luxury goods, such as spices, silk, and precious metals, that were in high demand back in Europe. Additionally, by controlling these routes, they could reduce competition, increase tariffs, and maximize profits from trade with Asia, Africa, and other regions.
Why did Europeans want to control trade routes?
To be less dependent on luxury goods from Asia and Africa
To find a quicker route to the Americas before the Columbian Exchange
To write primary sources about them
To make money off of them
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