Question

Which two events spurred the need to chart new maritime routes?

A: An increasing population forced Europeans to look for new lands to colonize.
B: The Turks captured Constantinople, closing the path to the Silk Road.
C: Europeans developed the economic system of mercantilism and needed reserves of gold and silver.
D: Europe witnessed a period that historians refer to as a “dark age.”
E: The spread of smallpox killed most of the Taino people.

Answer 1

Following are the two events that spurred the need to chart new maritime routes:

(i) Europeans developed the economic system of mercantilism and needed reserves of gold and silver.

(ii) The Turks captured Constantinople, closing the path to the Silk Road.

Maritime routes made it easier for the Europeans to trade in Asia and Africa. This was economic and efficient.