European exploration and overseas expansion Essay

European exploration and overseas expansion - Essay Example Firstly, the Europeans had desire for wealth and power. At the onset of exploration, many of these countries were weak economically, due to wars. Those in authority felt there were vast opportunities for wealth generation in the New World (Streich 1). This prompted the leaders to fund exploration in search of gold, spices, and other trade goods to sustain their ailing economy (Streich 1). This led to scramble for colonies, and they sent the wealth back to their countries. Secondly, there was religious interest. European had desire to spread Christianity to people throughout the world to counter the influence of Muslims. They also wanted to wipe the Muslims out of their territories. Thirdly, there was an improvement in the technology. The Europeans developed sailing ships with better navigation equipments (Streich 1). This made them able to move to various parts of the world. There was also development of more accurate maps. (Streich 1). Â  The Europeans expansion and exploration had a profound effect to those involved. The effects were immediate and long term. In the short term, the Portuguese built trading sites in West Africa, and some of them made Africa their home (McCannon 250-256). Secondly, there was a discovery of the new sea routes. In the long term, the Europeans competed to establish colonies. Secondly, there was also the expansion of wealth and power. Thirdly, there was the rise of the Transatlantic Trade that involved Europe, Africa, and America (McCannon 253).