The Main Motivation for 15th Century Exploration

'Go forth into the world and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. ' This phrase from the bible was what many explorers, Christians, and the church believed they were called to do.

The spread of Christianity had a powerful impact on exploration during the 15th century. Christianity assisted kingdoms in gaining power and control over people. In many ways, explorers used Christianity as a reason for kings to fund their trip. Vasco Da Gama and his journey to India and Christopher Columbus the journey to the new world were all driven by Christianity. Christianity is the main motivation for exploration in the 15th century.

May 20th of 1498 a Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama sailed to Calicut, India. Calicut is a city on the coast of India now known as Kozhikode. It is said that Vasco and his crew when they were asked what they wanted they said they wanted “Christians and spices.” His motive was to find Christians in India and to spread Christianity.

Unfortunately, he found no Christians in India, but he found an abundance of spices. Vasco had returned to Europe after losing two ships and two-thirds of his men. His Journey was a success since he was the first explorer to make it all the way to India from Europe.

In August of 1492, Columbus left Spain in the boat, Santa Maria, he traveled with the Pinta and the Niña alongside. After 1 month and 2 days of sailing, Columbus and several crewmen found an island in the known as the Bahamas. He met a friendly group of natives who were open to trading with the sailors. Columbus' actual journals have been lost, but his son Ferdinand and his friend Bartolome Las Casas recorded parts of the original journal. In the journal, it talks about Columbus’ motivation for the trip (Christopher Columbus). It is written in his journal that his motivation was to spread Christianity and to find riches.

The spread of Christianity is the main motivation for exploration during the 15th century. Christianity influenced Vasco Da Gama and his journey to India, but since he could not find Christians in India, he spread Christianity instead. Christopher Columbus was going to China with the same intention. He wanted to find Christians to help with the crusades but he did not make it to Asia. He found the new world and started trade with the natives.

Christianity gave power and control to the kingdom. This proves that Christianity is the main helped and motivated for exploration.