Age Of Exploration Research Paper

During the age of exploration, the spice trade was in full swing and European countries were searching for new trade routes to India that would make travel faster, easier, and less expensive. One of the reasons why exploration occurred at this point in history is because of their new technological prowess which enabled them to advance in their sailing abilities. The navigational compass was one of the many new inventions to emerge in the sailing industry. The emergence of new technology generated new wealth but it was the invention of the printing press that made it possible to spread new information faster than before. This created a sense of competition which led nations to push themselves to advance in technology and to create more national wealth. This is one of the reasons why Europeans decided to explore the seas at this point in history. …show more content…
The story that was initially heard upon the return of these explorers was quite different from the one that we hear today. People were not told how the Spanish and Portuguese explorers took advantage of indigenous peoples or how they later treated them with violence and brutality. While the conquistadors themselves behaved this immorally, they knew that their people back home did not. Christianity was very prevalent back in these countries and they would be risking their lives by reporting their behavior without reason for it. The conquistadors claimed that these people were savages and needed to be Christianized. They had similar claims against the religion of Islam in the past which led to the Crusades. Regardless of whether or not it is valid, Europeans used this as an excuse that would convince themselves to take control over the lands of several indigenous peoples and it helped them generate wealth in the