Why Were There So Many Voyages Of Discovery In England

Question 1

People wanted to find new trade routes with India and China

Answer 1

• England trades with the east for spices, silks and perfumes
• however, these items were very expensive and had to be brought from Asia to Europe
• they had to travel through OTTOMAN EMPIRE which raised high taxes on goods
• they wanted a way to bypass the Ottomans and trade directly with the east

Question 2

There was more trade with the rest of the world

Answer 2

• English economy relied heavily on trade with Antwerp in the Netherlands but this decreased during Elizabeth’s early reign
• they needed new trade partners
• JOHN HAWKINS traded SLAVES from west Africa to Spanish in South America

Question 3

Why was the Muscovy company set up

Answer 3

To trade furs and timbers after English sailors explored Northern Russia

Question 4

Renaissance and new technology

Answer 4

• encourages spirit of adventure
• PRINTING PRESS ALLOWED MAPS
• discovery of ASTROLABE meant a ships position could be plotted accurately
• MAGNETIC COMPASS, knew where they were travelling
• development in ships

Question 5

Rise in Nationalism and England’s power

Answer 5

• dominant Country at beginning of Elizabeth’s reign was SPAIN
• English weakened Spanish by PRIVATEERING, Sir Francis Drake would attack Spanish ships and he stole £400,000 worth of gold during one of his circumnavigations
• Sir Walter Raleigh led voyages to America to set up a colony but failed due to lack of food