Social Sciences and History / Unit 1 SSH 0003 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Why Europeans Sailed West
Captions available
The idea
The Crusades gave western Europe a taste for Eastern goods, and the overland Silk Road grew costly and dangerous. Portugal sent ships around Africa; Ferdinand and Isabella hired Columbus to reach the East by sailing west.
In practice
Spain's Reconquista ended in fourteen ninety-two, the year Columbus sailed.
Where people slip
Profit and religion drove the voyages together. Neither motive explains them alone.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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