Final answer:
In the Age of Exploration, early explorers were hoping to find new trade routes to Asia for valuable goods. They also desired wealth, fame, and opportunities for colonization and spreading their religion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Explorers and their Goals
In the Age of Exploration, early explorers were hoping to find new trade routes to Asia, specifically to India and China, for spices, silk, and other valuable goods. They believed that by finding these routes, they could bypass the middlemen who controlled the trade and establish direct trade with these wealthy regions. Additionally, explorers were also driven by a desire for wealth, fame, and glory, as well as opportunities for colonization and spreading their religion.
Examples
Christopher Columbus, for example, set out on his voyage hoping to find a westward route to Asia. Although he didn't reach Asia, his discovery of the Americas had a profound impact on history. Another notable explorer, Vasco da Gama, aimed to find a sea route to India. He successfully reached India, establishing Portuguese dominance in the Indian Ocean trade.
Overall Impact
The discoveries and explorations of this era led to significant advances in navigation, cartography, and shipbuilding. It also paved the way for European colonialism, the growth of global trade networks, and cultural exchanges between different parts of the world.
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