Final Answer:
The two existing trade routes that Europeans sought alternatives for during the 1450s were the Silk Road and the Spice Route.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the 1450s, European nations were driven by a fervent desire to establish direct trade routes to the East, bypassing the existing Silk Road and Spice Route. The Silk Road, a historic network of trade routes connecting East and West, was laden with challenges, including arduous terrain and the need for multiple intermediaries. This intricate web of overland paths didn't align with European ambitions for more direct and profitable connections with the suppliers of valuable goods. Similarly, the Spice Route, primarily maritime, posed challenges such as long travel times, piracy, and the monopoly held by Middle Eastern and Italian merchants. Seeking alternatives became imperative for Europeans to gain a competitive edge and control over the lucrative spice and silk trades.
The Europeans envisioned establishing alternative sea routes that would enable them to bypass the complexities of existing overland routes. This ambition culminated in exploratory expeditions, most notably led by figures like Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus. The strategic goal was to discover shorter maritime paths to Asia, directly connecting Europe with the source of spices and silk. This endeavor eventually led to the discovery of new sea routes, such as the route around the Cape of Good Hope, providing European powers like Portugal and Spain with direct access to the spice-rich regions of the East. The quest for alternative trade routes marked a significant turning point in world history, reshaping global commerce and contributing to the Age of Exploration.
In conclusion, the Europeans sought alternatives to the Silk Road and Spice Route during the 1450s, driven by a desire for more direct and lucrative trade connections. This pursuit of alternative routes had profound historical implications, shaping the course of exploration and the establishment of new trade networks that would dominate global commerce in the centuries to come.