(I) Toward the end of the 15th century, several elements
contributed to the age of European exploration and
discovery. (II) Christians were anxious to spread their
religion to stop the expansion of Islam. (III) And
overland trade routes had been cut off ever since
Ottoman Turks had conquered Constantinople in 1453.
(IV) Thus, Christopher Columbus, navigator and agent
from Genoa, thought that sailing west across the
Atlantic would lead to the East Indies. (V) In order to
obtain the spices, silks, perfumes, and other exotic
goods in great demand throughout Europe, it was
necessary to discover a new way to the Orient.