2. Big Geographical Discoveries and the Key Figures.

  

In the 100 years from the mid-15th to the mid-16th century, a combination of
circumstances stimulated men to seek new routes, and it was new routes rather than new
lands that filled the minds of kings and commoners, scholars and seamen.
 First, toward the end of the 14th century, the vast Empire of the Mongols was
breaking up; thus, Western merchants could no longer be assured of safe-conduct
along the land routes.
 Second, the Ottoman Turks and the Venetians controlled commercial access to the
Mediterranean and the ancient sea routes from the East.
 Third, new nations on the Atlantic shores of Europe were now ready to seek overseas
trade and adventure.