Background and Factors That Encouraged Europeans to Explore the Ocean
Background and Factors That Encouraged Europeans to Explore the Ocean
Background and Factors That Encouraged Europeans to Explore the Ocean - As we know, the European nation is a nation that has a modern civilization and advanced life in various fields, one of which is in the field of science and technology. However, did you know that before achieving progress as it is today, the Europeans had experienced difficult times until they were left behind from other nations. The problems that arose made the Europeans decide to explore the ocean in order to improve the situation.
What is the background for Europeans to explore the oceans? Then are there strong factors that encourage Europeans to explore the oceans?. To answer some of these questions, you can read the following explanation.
Background of Europeans Exploring the Ocean
Actually, ocean exploration activities have long been known and carried out by the ancestors before the Europeans did it. However, what sets it apart is the goal. When the Proto and Deutro Malays sailed the seas, the goal was to find a place to live that was strategic and safe from enemy attacks. Likewise, in the Hindu-Buddhist and Islamic times, the goal of navigating the sea was only to trade and acculturate to the local culture.
So, what about the Europeans? In history it is stated that the purpose of Europeans to explore the oceans was to seek the "New World" in order to survive and improve their deteriorating economic conditions. Not only that, the desire to dominate the new world for the sake of economic gain and political glory is also burning in their every journey.
Previously, they had found the new world, namely the region or part of the world that was in the east (east of Europe). In the region there are many ingredients that are needed and liked by European nations, namely spices such as cloves, pepper, and nutmeg. Spices were a very in demand commodity in Europe back then. Even now.
The question is, why do Europeans need spices so badly? For Europeans, spices are not only used as cooking spices, but also can be used as ingredients to make drinks that can warm the body. According to them, this is really suitable for their sub-tropical climate.
In eastern Europe their access to spices is very easy and cheap. In addition, the location is also still on European soil. The world recognized the place as Constantinople; namely the large and magnificent city of the Byzantine Empire. The largest trading center in the world at that time. Not only European traders, traders from outside Europe also visited there one after another.
However, the desire of Europeans to get Spices at low prices became difficult since the fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the Ottoman Turks (Ottoman) led by Sultan Muhammad Al-Fatih. The fall of Constantinople has had a major impact on the lives of European nations, one of which is in the field of economy. Merchants from Europe no longer had easy access to trade in the Port City of Istanbul which was formerly Constantinople.
This was regulated in the policy of the Ottoman Empire which prohibited traders from Europe from entering Istanbul. As a result, European traders had difficulty getting the spices sold by Asians in the Port City of Istanbul. The price of spices in the European market soared very high.
These problems make Europe slowly lag behind other countries. Seeing the unstable economic situation, the Europeans finally decided to explore the oceans in search of a second new world. The new world that is meant is; an area rich in natural resources or rather a region rich in spices.
So, right in the 15th century, this is where the next period of adventure, exploration, and discovery of new worlds began. Efforts and efforts made by explorers have the support and participation of the king, government and scientists.
The Portuguese and Spanish can be said to be the first Europeans to explore the oceans to discover a new world. Not only that, the arrival of the Portuguese in the islands of Malacca has opened the way for other Europeans to go to the Archipelago Islands which are labeled as a quality spice-producing area.
The fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans was not the only reason Europeans explored the oceans. In order to explore new worlds, they do not only focus on spices, but there are strong factors that encourage them to explore more.
The driving factor is the "3G Spirit", namely Gold, Glory, and Gospel. The emergence of this spirit originated from the Tordesilas agreement which was initiated by Pope Alexander VI of the Vatican. This idea was made so that there was no competition between the two Catholic kingdoms, namely Portugal and Spain.
In the Treaty of Tordesilas, the Portuguese got a share to explore the Eastern World, while the Spanish in the Western World. Explorations carried out by these two countries almost cover all parts of the world. Including Nusantara in the 16th century. Even though they have different directions, their goal is still the same, namely 3G.
Gold: Seeking wealth and profit by collecting gold, silver and minerals and other very valuable materials. Glory: Seeking glory, Superiority, and power. Gospel: Carrying out a sacred duty to spread Religion.