Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why did European exploration intensify during the Age of Discovery?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Map showing the transatlantic and global routes of major early voyages of discovery and exploration by Spain, Portugal, England, and France during the 15th and 16th centuries. The map traces the journeys of explorers such as Columbus, Cabot, Magellan, da Gama, and others, with labeled paths crossing the Atlantic and encircling Africa and South America, as well as lines of demarcation dividing Spanish and Portuguese exploration zones. — European exploration Map depicting the European exploration of the New World in the 15th and 16th centuries, including the voyages made by Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci, Pedro Álvares Cabral, Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastián del Cano, Giovanni da Verrazzano, Jacques Cartier, Sir Francis Drake, and others. The lines of demarcation represent an early division between the territory of Spain (to the west) and Portugal (to the east).

European exploration intensified during the Age of Discovery due to a convergence of political, economic, and technological factors.

Economic and Political Drivers

By the late 14th century, traditional overland and Mediterranean trade routes to Asia became insecure or restricted. The breakup of the Mongol Empire disrupted land travel, while the rise of the Ottoman Empire and the influence of Venetian merchants limited access to eastern goods. Consequently, emerging Atlantic nations sought new maritime routes to reach the wealth of Asia directly. This pursuit was fueled by a desire for commercial gain, the spread of religion, and the quest for political power and security.123

Technological Advancements

The intensification of exploration was made possible by significant improvements in maritime technology:
* Ship Design: The integration of square sails with lateen sails and the adoption of the sternpost rudder allowed for greater maneuverability and the ability to sail against the wind.
* Navigation: The use of the magnetic compass, navigational charts, and the astrolabe provided mariners with the confidence to undertake long-distance voyages on the open sea.4