Final answer:
The main reason Europeans sent explorers to East Asia in the 15th century was the A. desire for new trade routes, to avoid expensive and lengthy overland paths and to spread Christianity.
Step-by-step explanation:
European Exploration of East Asia in the 15th Century
In the 15th century, Europeans sent explorers to East Asia primarily due to the desire for new trade routes. This was driven by the high cost and slow pace of overland trade along the Silk Road, where Muslim middlemen imposed taxes and fees. The need to bypass these expensive and arduous routes was compounded by conflicts with Muslims, including the Crusades, which made access to Asian goods like spices, silk, and porcelain even more difficult. Furthermore, the spread of Christianity was a significant incentive, as European rulers, particularly in Spain and Portugal, sought to convert new peoples and challenge Muslim presence in certain lands.
Technological advancements in navigation, such as the lateen sail and the magnetic compass, enabled explorers to seek oceanic paths to Asia. Simultaneously, European nations wanted to compete with the wealth of Italian merchants who, inspired by earlier figures like Marco Polo, had established lucrative overland trade with Asia.
The combined effect of these economic, religious, and technological factors launched an era of unprecedented global exploration, leading to the discovery of new trade routes and the establishment of European empires.