Why Did The Europeans Seek Out New Trade Routes?

Europeans sought new trade routes primarily to access valuable commodities like spices, silk, and precious metals, which were highly sought after in Europe. The desire to bypass intermediaries and reduce costs, especially after the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the subsequent rise of Ottoman control over land routes, further fueled this quest. Additionally, the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of wealth, coupled with advancements in navigation and shipbuilding, motivated European powers to discover new maritime pathways to Asia and beyond.