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Compare And Contrast The Economic Motives Of 15th And 16th Century European Religion

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In the 15th and 16th century European countries began to explore for many different reasons. The hunger for wealth, including the need for precious materials and the belief that it was their duty to spread Christianity. Although religion was an important factor for European exploration, economic and national consolidation/centralization of monarchies were more influential motives. Many important figures including Christopher Columbus and Prince Henry of Portugal believed it was their duty to spread the word of God. A Spanish Conquistador said that “he and his kind went to the New World to ‘Serve God’” (Duiker 494). This was a very religious time. The Catholic Church wanted to spread their ideas because of the decline after the start of Protestantism. Prince Henry desire was to “to make increase in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ and bring him all the souls that should be saved” (Duiker 494). Many explorers also believed that they were responsible to convert Non-Christians. Aside from this, most scholars believed religion came behind economic motives (Duiker 494). …show more content…

Materials like gold, silver, and spices from Africa and Asia inspired Europeans to explore these areas (Arnold 11). The Spice Trade was an important asset, similar to the oil trade today. Only grown in Asia, demand for spices increased in Europe. Gold was also popular and not just a luxury. The ‘gold famine’ during the late Renaissance prompted Europe to wonder about these materials from outside of their own land. Explorers set out to find other sources of these in demand goods (Arnold 13). Simpler goods including corn, fish and sugar also tempted Europeans to explore (Arnold 14). The consolidation/centralization also motivated Europeans to explore. Without the help of new technology, the exploration could not have been

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