Why did Europeans look for sea routes to Asia in the fifteenth century?

Question

Choose all answers that are correct.

Responses

The Ottoman Turks controlled the Silk Road, which was the main land route from Europe through the Middle East to Asia.

The Ottoman Turks controlled the Silk Road, which was the main land route from Europe through the Middle East to Asia.

Demand in Europe for Asian spices, silk, and other goods had grown considerably.

Demand in Europe for Asian spices, silk, and other goods had grown considerably.

Traveling overland from Europe to Asia was extremely difficult and hazardous.

Traveling overland from Europe to Asia was extremely difficult and hazardous.

Explorers were looking for a way to sail around Asia to get to the Americas.

Answer 1

The correct responses to why Europeans looked for sea routes to Asia in the fifteenth century include:

1. The Ottoman Turks controlled the Silk Road, which was the main land route from Europe through the Middle East to Asia.
2. Demand in Europe for Asian spices, silk, and other goods had grown considerably.
3. Traveling overland from Europe to Asia was extremely difficult and hazardous.

The statement "Explorers were looking for a way to sail around Asia to get to the Americas" is not correct, as the primary motivation was to find a direct sea route to Asia for trade, especially for spices and luxury goods, rather than to reach the Americas indirectly.