WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Europeans wanted the power and resulting wealth that would come from controlling trade. Finding all-water routes to Asia and its riches would allow European merchants to cut out Middle Eastern middlemen and reap all the profits of eastern trade. Some Europeans were also eager to spread Christianity to nonbelievers.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Renaissance age paved way for people to question if the earth was flat and hence voyages were taken to check this. These voyages also led to the demand of Asian goods which were brought back to Europe. And since the land route was blocked by the Ottoman Turks, discovering sea routes became important.

Detailed explanation-3: -But due to the political crisis created by the Turkish empire, the land route connecting India to the European countries was closed. At the same time, Indian resources were in great demand in European countries. These factors pushed the Europeans to discover a new sea route to India.

Detailed explanation-4: -As these empires started to grow the need of trade also needed to become significant to each empire. The 4 main trade routes of this era would be considered the Trans-Saharan Caravan, Indian Ocean, Silk Roads, and the Mediterranean Sea. These trade routes became imperative to merchants all over the world.