# History of Quebec and Canada/Study Guide/Topic 1: Reasons for Exploration

What were the major reasons why Europeans explorers went on great voyages of exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries?
A major reason behind these explorations was that the Ottoman Turks had blocked the overland trade routes to Asia through their capture of Constantinople in 1453. Consequently, not only did it become more dangerous to travel, but luxury items such as silk, spices, gold and silver became extremely expensive. A new route by sea had to be found to India and China and this resulted in European explorers searching for the Northwest Passage (see map).
Other reasons included:
Political reasons
'Kings wanted more power.' By creating colonies overseas they hoped they would become richer and more powerful. Colonies could also provide them with gold and silver.
Commercial reasons
Merchants hoped to get rich in return for paying to equip the voyage. If the ship returned with spices, silk, and gold, the merchants could sell them for high prices.
Technological reasons
There were now better ships (caravels), improved maps and new navigational instruments such as the astrolabe and the magnetic compass.
Religious reasons
Church leaders wanted to send missionaries to newly-discovered lands. They wanted to convert the people of other lands to the Christian faith.
Do the following questions on Topic 1: Reasons for Exploration
1. FOR WHICH TWO OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS DID EUROPEAN KINGS,MERCHANTS AND BANKERS SUPPORT THE GREAT EXPLORATIONS?
1. The need to find waters rich in all types of fish.
2. The need to find lands rich in all types of fur.
3. The need to find a new, easier and more direct route to the Orient.
4. The growing demand for gold and silver needed for trade.
5. The desire of the Amerindians to convert to Catholicism.
| A) 1 and 5 Not Correct! 1. The need to find waters rich in all types of fish. Not Correct! 5. The desire of the Amerindians to convert to Catholicism. Not Correct ! | B) 2 and 3 Not Correct ! 2. The need to find lands rich in all types of fur. Not Correct ! 3. The need to find a new,easier and more direct route to the Orient. Correct ! | C) 3 and 4 Correct ! FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS EUROPEAN KINGS, MERCHANTS AND BANKERS SUPPORTED THE GREAT EXPLORATIONS OF THE 15TH AND 16TH CENTURIES 3. The need to find a new, easier and more direct route to the Orient. 4. The growing demand for gold and silver needed for trade. | D) 4 and 5 Not Correct ! 4. The growing demand for gold and other precious metals. Correct ! 5. The desire of the Amerindians to convert to Catholicism. Not Correct ! |
2. WHICH TWO CHARACTERISTICS BELOW DESCRIBE THE COUNTRIES THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE GREAT VOYAGES OF EXPLORATION?
1. They all had large ports on the Mediterranean Sea.
2. They were the poorest countries in Europe.
3. They had mastered navigational techniques and used compasses, caravels and astrolabes.
4. They were searching for new markets for their products.
5. Their kings had to find new routes to Asia after the Turks conquered Constantinople.
* Question goes here
| A) 1 and 4 Not Correct ! 1.They all had large ports on the Mediterranean Sea Not Correct ! 4. They were searching for new markets for their products. Not Correct ! | B) 1 and 5 Not Correct ! 1.They all had large ports on the Mediterranean Sea. Not Correct ! 5. Their kings had to find new routes to Asia after the Turks conquered Constantinople. Correct ! | C) 2 and 3 Not Correct ! 2.They were the poorest countries in Europe . Not Correct ! 3.They had mastered navigational techniques and used compasses, caravels and astrolabes. Correct ! | D) 3 and 5 Correct ! 3.They had mastered navigational techniques and used compasses, caravels and astrolabes. 5. Their kings had to find new routes to Asia after the Turks conquered Constantinople. |
3.WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING FACTORS MOTIVATED THE EUROPEAN MONARCHS TO FINANCE EXPEDITIONS WESTWARDS?
1. the invention of new navigational instruments
2. the scarcity of gold and precious metals
3. the desire to claim new territories
4. the conversion of the natives
5. the creation of a naval war fleet
| 1 and 4 Not Correct ! 1.the invention of new navigational instruments Not Correct ! 4.the conversion of the natives Not Correct ! | 2 and 3 Correct ! THE FOLLOWING FACTORS MOTIVATED THE EUROPEAN MONARCHS TO FINANCE EXPEDITIONS WESTWARDS 2.the scarcity of gold and precious metals 3.the desire to claim new territories | 2 and 4 Not Correct ! 2.the scarcity of gold and precious metals Correct ! 4.the conversion of the natives Not Correct ! | 3 and 5 Not Correct ! 3.the desire to claim new territories Correct ! 5.the creation of a naval war fleet Not Correct ! |
ANSWER: A B C D
Go On To Topic 2: Cartier's VoyagesHistory_of_Quebec_and_Canada/Study_Guide/Module_1:_The_French_Empire_in_North_America