Final answer:
When deciding to join Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, or Ferdinand Magellan, sailors had to consider pros such as wealth, exploration, and fame, against cons including unknown dangers, ethical issues, and political conflicts.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you were a sailor trying to decide whether to sign on with Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, or Ferdinand Magellan, there are several pros and cons to weigh based on the Age of Exploration. The pros might include potential wealth from the valuable trade goods like spices and gold, and the unique opportunity for exploration and adventure out in uncharted waters. The allure of fame and recognition upon successful return could also be enticing.
On the downside, the risks were considerable. Sailors faced unknown dangers including shipwrecks, storms, scurvy, encounters with hostile forces, and the possibility of never returning home. For instance, Magellan's circumnavigation was groundbreaking, but resulted in his death and a high casualty rate among his crew. Additionally, ethical concerns arose, particularly with the treatment of indigenous peoples, and the potential for becoming entangled in political conflicts between nations eager to expand their empires and trade routes.