Answer:
The two events that directly led to the beginning of European exploration were the fall of Constantinople and the decline of the Silk Road.
1. The fall of Constantinople: In 1453, Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, was captured by the Ottoman Empire. This event had significant consequences for European powers as it cut off their direct access to lucrative trade routes with Asia. Prior to the fall of Constantinople, European merchants relied heavily on the overland Silk Road to trade goods such as spices, silk, and precious metals from Asia. However, with the Ottoman Empire controlling Constantinople, European powers were forced to seek alternative routes to access these valuable resources.
2. The decline of the Silk Road: The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected Europe with Asia. It played a crucial role in facilitating cultural exchange and economic activity between different regions. However, over time, various factors contributed to its decline. One significant factor was the rise of the Ottoman Empire and their control over key sections of the Silk Road. This limited European access to Asian goods and motivated them to find new trade routes.
As a result of these events, European powers began seeking alternative routes to Asia, leading to a period of intense exploration and expansion. This era is often referred to as the Age of Discovery or Age of Exploration.
3. The development of mercantilism: While not directly leading to European exploration, the development of mercantilism played a crucial role in shaping European motivations for exploration. Mercantilism was an economic theory prevalent during this period that emphasized accumulating wealth through trade and establishing colonies. European powers believed that by controlling overseas territories and establishing trade networks, they could increase their wealth and power.
By exploring new routes and establishing colonies in distant lands, European powers aimed to gain control over valuable resources and establish monopolies on trade. This drive for economic dominance and expansion fueled their exploration efforts.
Step-by-step explanation: