Why did the Spanish and Portuguese take a sudden interest in overseas maritime expeditions in the fifteenth century?
A) They hoped to conquer the Chinese and Persian Empires.
B) Their governments hoped to use the proceeds from the spice trade to put down uprisings spawned by movements for religious reform in northern Europe.
C) They sought to gain control of the spice trade and use its profits in the struggle against Islam.
D) Merchants from India and China asked for their help in bypassing the Ottoman armies and navies that had seized control of the caravan routes that linked up to the eastern Mediterranean.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Spanish and Portuguese were motivated by the desire to bypass the Muslim-controlled land routes to Asia to directly access the lucrative spice trade, using the profits to support their ongoing conflict with Islamic powers.

Why Did the Spanish and Portuguese Take a Sudden Interest