Cause-and-Effect Assignment

The Spanish and Portuguese were able to invest and travel in search of alternate trade routes earlier than the rest of Europe due to the Hundred Years War between England and France during the 14^th century, their trading locations, which were further away from the Middle Eastern scene than others, and previous marine innovations that aided their paths. The Hundred Years War was fought over English claims that they were to take over the French throne. From 1337 to 1453, both sides brought historical significance into play, such as innovative new weapons and tactics. However, because the war was fought over such a long period of time, the result was that of destruction that drained both countries funds. Because of this, neither the English nor French could recover quickly enough, leaving exploration opportunities wide open to other countries. Due to the ill situated trade location of Spain in the 15th century and the reconquista of the Muslim stronghold in 1492, Ferdinand and Isabella looked westward to extend Spanish power and to find an effective trading route to Asia. Because of cumbersome trade routes, Spain was slightly handicapped and was in need of a better way to reach the Orient in order to reap profits from seaborne commerce. Luckily, due to marine innovations that pilots on exploratory voyages documented to the advantage of future trips and the geographic fragments of knowledge passed on from Arab traders, Spain invested in Christopher Columbus who attempted to reach the East by crossing the Atlantic. On the other hand, Portugal invested in Bartolomeu Dias, who discovered the Cape of Good Hope. With the hope of discovering a new, more efficient trade route for the Westernmost parts of Europe, the Spanish landed upon southern parts of the Americas. From there, settlement and the eventual exploitation of natives and gradual destruction and assimilation of culture ensued as a result.