欧洲人探索新大陆的历程(3/13)

The products included spices, perfumes, silk cloth, steel products and drugs.

Such products became highly valued all over Europe. Increased trade resulted which led to the growth of towns.

It also created a large number of rich European businessmen. The European nations were growing.

They developed armies and governments. These had to be paid for by taxes from the people.

By the 15th century, European countries were ready to explore new parts of the world.

The first explorers were the Portuguese. By 1,400, they wanted to control the eastern spice trade.

European businessmen did not want to continue paying Venetian and Arab traders for their costly spices.