Why were the Spanish and Portuguese so interested in finding new ways to get to Asia?(1 point)

Question

Responses

They wanted to have more control over trade by avoiding the use of middlemen.
They wanted to have more control over trade by avoiding the use of middlemen.

They wanted to use new sailing technologies.
They wanted to use new sailing technologies.

Europeans could not trade over land or the Mediterranean Sea.
Europeans could not trade over land or the Mediterranean Sea.

They had never traveled to Asia before.

Answer 1

The most accurate response is:

They wanted to have more control over trade by avoiding the use of middlemen.

This reflects the primary motivation behind the Age of Exploration, as both Spanish and Portuguese explorers sought direct access to Asian markets for valuable goods such as spices, silk, and precious metals, reducing reliance on intermediaries like the Ottoman Empire and various Italian city-states.