What was a driving force behind European exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries?

The quest for new trade routes was a central driving force behind European exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries. During this period, European nations sought to expand their markets and access valuable commodities such as spices, silk, and precious metals that were crucial for economic growth. As trade with Asia became increasingly significant, especially after the fall of Constantinople and the rise of the Ottoman Empire disrupting traditional trade routes, explorers looked for alternatives. This led to ambitious voyages across the Atlantic and around Africa in search of direct access to these lucrative markets.

Nations like Spain and Portugal invested heavily in exploration to find sea routes that would bypass overland trade barriers and establish new connections with Asia and the Americas, ultimately leading to significant trade networks that contributed to the wealth of these countries. The focus on trade logistics not only spurred advancements in navigation and shipbuilding but also laid the groundwork for the vast colonial empires that would emerge in the following centuries.